Federal Programmes: Income Assistance

1. Old Age Security Pension
   The Old Age Security pension (OAS) is a monthly benefit available to most Canadians 65 years of age or older who have lived in Canada for at least 10 years.
2. Canada Pension Plan Retirement Pension
   The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Retirement Pension provides a monthly taxable benefit to retired contributors.
3. Guaranteed Income Supplement
   The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) provides a monthly non-taxable benefit to low-income Old Age Security recipients living in Canada.
4. Allowance for the Survivor Program
   The Allowance for the Survivor Program provides a monthly non-taxable benefit to low-income widowed spouses who are not yet eligible for the Old Age Security pension.
5. Allowance Program
   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).
6. Canadian Government Annuities
   The Canadian Government Annuities Branch administers contracts on behalf of individuals who have contributed towards the purchase of an Annuity either on their own or through their employers as part of a pension plan.

Seniors can also receive:

1. Employment Insurance Regular Benefits
   Employment Insurance (EI) provides Regular Benefits to individuals who lose their jobs through no fault of their own (for example, due to shortage of work, seasonal or mass lay-offs) and are available for and able to work, but can’t find a job.
2. GST/HST Credit
   The GST/HST Credit program issues to Canadians with low and modest incomes all or part of the GST/HST they pay. It provides information on application procedures, eligibility, payment of the GST/HST credit and procedures to follow in case of overpayment.
3. Employment Insurance Sickness Benefits
   Employment Insurance (EI) provides Sickness Benefits to individuals who are unable to work because of sickness, injury or quarantine.
4. GST/HST General Rebates
   The GST/HST General Rebates program allows for GST/HST rebates under various situations: GST/HST amounts paid in error; when commercial goods and artistic works are exported by a non-resident; for certain expenses incurred by Indian Bands and Band empowered entities; and more.
5. Employment Insurance Fishing Benefits
   Employment Insurance (EI) provides Fishing Benefits to qualifying, self-employed fishers who are actively seeking work.
6. Employment Insurance and Workers and/or Residents Outside Canada
   The Employment Insurance (EI) program may provide benefits to certain individuals who reside outside Canada if their job is insured under Canada’s EI program.
7. International Benefits
   The International Benefits program may provide retirement, disability or survivor benefits to eligible individuals who have lived or worked in another country, or the surviving spouse, common-law partner or children of eligible individuals who have lived or worked in another country.

See all Income Assistance programs and services