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Income Security - Pensions

The Old Age Security Program is a federal government program funded from government revenues.  This program ensures that a senior's income will not fall below a certain standard.

Old Age Security (Basic) Pension

You may be eligable to receive an Old Age Security (O.A.S.) pension in Canada if you meet the following conditions:

• You must be a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant 65 years of age or older
• You must have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after reaching the age of 18

You do not have to be retired to receive the basic Old Age Security Pension, but you must apply.  This benefit is not paid automatically.

Guaranteed Income Supplement

People who are getting the Old Age Security Pension, and have little or no other income, may be eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (G.I.S.)
The amount of this additional payment is calculated on the basis of your income and that of your spouse if applicable.  You must reapply for the supplement each year, if you do not file an income tax return.

Spouses Allowance / Widowed Spouses Allowance

A 60 - 64 year old spouse of a person who is getting O.A.S. may be able to get Spouses Allowance.  This payment provides additional financial help to those with limited incomes.
If your spouse dies, you may continue to receive this benefit.  The allowance continues until you reach age 65 and can receive your O.A.S., or until you remarry.

Canada Pension Plan

The Canada Pension Plan offers retirement pensions, living spouses benefits and disability benefits.
If you are at least 60 years of age, you may be eligible for full or partial C.P.P. retirement benefits, provided you have contributed to the plan.  Among other benefits, a death benefit for $2,500.00 is available to survivor's, providing that the deceased contributed to C.P.P. 
For more information on the Canada Pension Plan or Old Age Security, call 1-800-277-9914.
For a complete guide on Federal Programs & Services, contact Health Canada and ask for the Senior's Guide to Federal Programs & Services, 1-800-622-6232 or TTY 1-800-465-7735.

FINANCIAL SERVICES AND BENEFITS

Veterans Affairs Canada

In recognition if the sacrifices made by Canadians in wars and peacekeeping efforts, Canada has a wide range of services and benefits to qualified individuals and their dependents and survivors.  For more information, please contact 1-866-522-2122.

Employment Insurance

Provides benefits for those who are unemployed.  For more information please contact 1-800-206-7218.

Ontario Disability Support Program (O.D.S.P.)

Provides financial assistance in special cases for those do not qualify for an O.A.S.P.  1-877-669-6658.

Ontario Work

Regional Municipality of York provides temporary emergency financial assistance for qualifying people.  For more information contact the Community Services Housing Contact Centre at 1-888-256-1112.

Lost / Misplaced Seniors' Cards

1-800-277-9914.

Income Tax Preparation

Assistance is available to complete income tax forms at little or no charge for those in need.   Please contact the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario at 1-800-387-0735.