Old Age Security (OAS)

• Monthly pension to legal residents of Canada 65 years and older
• full pension to those who have lived in Canada for at least 40 years after turning 18
• partial pension may be available

Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) -- Monthly supplement for low income OAS recipients living in Canada

Allowance -- Monthly benefit for low income spouses (60-64 years) of GIS recipients; based on combined income of the couple

Allowance for the Survivor -- Monthly benefit for low income widowed spouses 60-64 years

Social Security Tribunal, 1-877-227-8577 -- independent appeal process for Old Age Security decisions, see separate entry

Programs of Employment and Social Development Canada, delivered by Service Canada

Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS), 1-866-668-8297 -- monthly supplement to low income Ontario seniors receiving OAS and GIS

• program of the Ontario Ministry of Finance

Retirement Hub - information and resource on pension and retirement planning

Recorded information Mon-Sun 24 hours, call Mon-Fri 8:30 am-4:30 pm to speak to an agent

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

OAS and GIS Automatic enrollment -- seniors who are eligible for automatic enrollment will receive a notification letter the month after they turn 64, they do not have to apply for OAS
Seniors not eligible for automatic enrollment must complete and mail an application form

• can apply a maximum of 11 months before pension begins
  GIS -- OAS applicants can indicate on the OAS application form that they wish to apply for GIS
  • status will be reviewed each year when taxes are filed
  
  Allowance and Allowance for the Survivor -- application form should be submitted 6-11 months before applicant's 60th birthday
  GAINS -- no application required
  • benefits based on information from federal tax return