Old Age Security (OAS)

Monthly pension to persons 65 or over regardless of income or assets

• for persons living in Canada: Canadian citizen or legal resident at the time of OAS pension application and have resided in Canada for at least 10 years since the age of 18
• for persons living outside of Canada: Canadian citizen or legal resident on the day before leaving Canada and have resided in Canada at least 20 years since the age of 18

Guaranteed Income Supplement

Supplement added monthly to Old Age Security for those with limited or no income

• amount of supplement is adjusted yearly
• reapply when income taxes are filed (end of April)
• not payable outside Canada beyond a period of 6 months regardless of how long the person lived in Canada

Allowance

Monthly allowance for spouses 60-64 years of Old Age Security pensioners receiving Guaranteed Income Supplement

• based on combined income of the couple
• allowance is adjusted yearly
• proof of age required
• reapply when income taxes are filed (end of April)

Allowance for the Survivor

Monthly allowance for widowed spouses 60-65 years

• death, marriage and applicant's birth certificate required
• based on limited or no income
• deceased spouse need not have received Old Age Security
• apply when income taxes are filed (end of April)

Some seniors might not be able to afford their rent consider referring them to Home - Community Legal Services of Ottawa / or to the Services juridiques - CSC Vanier immediately for assistance

Programs of Human Resources and Social Development Canada, delivered by Service Canada)

Click here for the Benefits Payment Calendar

Inquiry Line Mon-Fri 8:30 am-4:30 pm

• Canada has reciprocal social security agreements with many other countries, see website for details

OAS and GIS: some seniors are automatically enrolled * selected seniors would have received a letter a month after they turned 64 years old from Service Canada * seniors who did not receive this letter can then apply 
 
Application forms available online, by phone or in person at Service Canada sites (see separate entries)