If you are not covered by either of these two scenarios, you may still qualify for a pension since Canada has social security agreements with many countries. If you have lived in one of these countries or contributed to its social security system, you may qualify for a pension from that country, from Canada or from both countries. For more information, see the section on International Benefits in this chapter or contact Service Canada.

If you apply at any time after your 66th birthday, you will receive a back payment worth up to a total of 12 months of pension benefits.

In addition to the basic Old Age Security Pension, seniors living in Canada who have low or modest incomes may qualify for other benefits such as the Guaranteed Income Supplement.

In addition, a spouse or common-law partner between the ages of 60 to 64 of a GIS recipient, may be entitled to the “Allowance” or to the “Allowance for the Survivor”.

Guaranteed Income Supplement

The Guaranteed Income Supplement provides additional money on top of the Old Age Security Pension to low-income seniors living in Canada. If you have little or no income besides your OAS basic pension, you may be able to get a monthly Guaranteed Income Supplement. The amount of this extra payment is based on your annual income, or the combined annual income of you and your spouse or common-law partner (same-sex or opposite sex).

You must apply for this benefit and renew it each year, either automatically by filing an income tax return by April 30 each year, or by filling out a renewal form. The GIS benefit is not taxable income, although it is included in the calculation of net income, which is used in determining eligibility for a number of income-tested benefits.

Allowance and Allowance for the Survivor

The Allowance is a monthly benefit for low-income seniors (aged 60-64) whose spouse or common-law partner is eligible for, or currently receiving, the Old Age Security (OAS) pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). The monthly Allowance is based on your income and that of your spouse/common-law partner.

The Allowance for the Survivor is based solely on the survivor’s income. You may qualify for the Allowance for the Survivor if your spouse or common-law partner has died, and you have not remarried or entered into a new common-law relationship for more than 12 months. In the case of same-sex couples, you may qualify for the Allowance for the Survivor if your partner died on or after January 1, 1998, and you have not remarried or entered into a new common-law relationship for more than 12 months.

To qualify for the Allowance or the Allowance for the Survivor, you must:

• be 60 to 64 years old;
  
• be a Canadian citizen or legal resident when your benefit is approved (or have been one when you last lived in Canada); and
  
• have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18; and
  
• have an annual income below the prescribed limit (if applying for the Allowance, both you and your spouse’s or common-law partner’s combined incomes must be below the prescribed limit)

To receive the Allowance, you must not be divorced or voluntarily separated from your spouse or common-law partner for more than three months.

If you have not lived in Canada for at least 10 years since you turned 18, but have lived or worked in a country that has an international social security agreement with Canada, you may still qualify.

You must renew the Allowance or Allowance for the Survivor each year, either automatically by filing an income tax return by April 30, or by filling out a renewal form. The Allowance and the Allowance for the Survivor benefits are not taxable income.

If you and your spouse or common-law partner separate voluntarily for more than three months, your Allowance will end. If you and your spouse are separated for reasons beyond your control (for example, if one of you has to live in a hospital or nursing home), please call Service Canada for more information.

You qualified for the Allowance for the Survivor because your spouse or common-law partner died. If you remarry, your Allowance for the Survivor will end. It will also end if you live in a common-law relationship for at least one year. You must notify Service Canada of any changes.

If you are receiving the Allowance and your spouse or common-law partner dies, you will be switched to the Allowance for the Survivor. Your benefits will then be calculated on the basis of your income alone.

At the age of 65, most people who receive the Allowance or the Allowance for the Survivor have their benefit automatically changed to an Old Age Security pension. At this point you may also be eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement.

You may also be eligible for benefits under the War Veterans Allowance Act administered by Veterans Affairs Canada, or for Employment Insurance benefits from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, other provincial/territorial and municipal income assistance and services.

For more information on the Old Age Security Program, Guaranteed Income Supplements, Allowance and Allowance for the Survivor, and Other Benefits, contact Service Canada:

English: 1-800-277-9914
French: 1-800-277-9915
TTY: 1-800-255-4786
www.servicecanada.gc.ca