A federal financial assistance program for low income seniors between the ages of 60 and 64 whose spouse or common-law partner has died. Benefits will not be paid if the recipient remarries or lives in a common-law relationship that lasts for more than one year. At age 65, the benefit automatically converts to the Old Age Security pension and, if the survivor is eligible, the Guaranteed Income Supplement.

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A federal program that provides additional payments for recipients of Old Age Security with a low annual income (or, in the case of a couple, a low combined income of the applicant and spouse or common-law partner). Recipients must re-apply annually for the Guaranteed Income Supplement benefit by filing an income statement or by completing an income tax return. The Guaranteed Income Supplement is not subject to income tax.

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A financial assistance program administered by the Income Security Programs Branch of HRSDC that pay monthly benefits to most Canadians age 65 and older. Old Age Security (OAS) is paid to most Canadians with at least 10 years of residency. An individual's employment history is not a factor in determining eligibility, nor does the applicant need to be retired. OAS pensioners pay federal and provincial income tax. Higher income pensioners also repay part or all of their benefit through the tax system.

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A federal program (formally known as "Allowance") that pays a benefit to the spouse or common-law partner of a senior who is receiving Guaranteed Income Supplement. Recipients must be between the ages of 60 and 64 and have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18.

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A program available through Canada Pension Plan that provides a monthly taxable payment to people who have contributed to CPP but are no longer able to work regularly because of a severe and prolonged disability. Related benefits are also available for dependent children. Disability income provided from other sources such as private insurers or provincial/territorial programs may be reduced when payment of CPP disability benefits is initiated.

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A federal program operated by Employment and Social Development Canada that provides temporary financial assistance for a period of time to eligible individuals who become unemployed and are either actively looking for work or upgrading their skills. Employment insurance may also cover individuals who are sick, pregnant or caring for a newborn or adopted child. Eligibility for benefits is dependent on payment of employment insurance deductions while employed. Regular benefits are paid to persons who have lost their job through no fault of their own (for example, due to a shortage of work, seasonal or mass lay-offs). Self-employed individuals within the fishing industry may also apply for benefits. A compassionate care benefit may also be paid to persons who have to be away from work temporarily to provide care or support to a family member who is gravely ill with a significant risk of death. Applicants for regular benefits must apply as soon as acquiring a Record of Employment (ROE) from their last employer. If an ROE is not received within 14 days of the last day of work, an application should be made regardless, with the provision of proof of employment such as pay stubs. A claim must be made within four weeks of the last day of work. There is a two week waiting period for benefits and the first payment is generally received about four weeks after the initial claim. During this period, individuals can apply for social assistance, although this may result in deductions in the eventual EI payments. Generally, EI benefits may be received for around six months. However, the length of time varies in different parts of the country depending on local employment conditions. Maternity, parental and adoption benefits for residents of Quebec are administered by the province of Quebec under the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP).

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