Income Assistance For Seniors

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) provides contributors and their families with retirement (age 60 and over), disability, survivor, death, and children's benefits. The Old Age Security (OAS) pension is available from age 65 to most Canadians who have lived here for at least 10 years, while the Allowance for the Survivor provides a monthly non-taxable benefit to low-income people aged 60 to 64 whose spouse is deceased and who are not yet eligible for OAS. The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is an additional benefit for eligible low-income seniors who are already receiving OAS, and the Allowance for the Survivor for 60- to 64-year old spouses/common-law partners of pensioners who receive GIS. International benefits may also be available if one has lived or worked in another country, or is the surviving spouse/common-law partner of someone who has lived or worked in another country. Applications can be made online, or by downloading forms from the website and mailing or visiting a Services Canada Centre. Toll-free phone hours of operation are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm local time Monday to Friday; automated telephone service provides general information 24 hours daily.