Canadian seniors can access various benefits, including the Old Age Security (OAS), Canada Pension Plan (CPP), and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIC).
The standard age to qualify for these senior benefits is age 65; however, you could be eligible as early as 60 for a reduced amount.
There are also provincial benefits available to seniors, and some, like the Manitoba 55 PLUS program, are accessible starting at age 55.
In addition to these, seniors may be able to get financial help through income assistance programs or take advantage of seniors’ discounts to save on goods and services.
Seniors’ Benefits From Age 55 in Canada
Most provincially administered senior benefits programs require you to be at least 60 years or older. However, if you reside in Manitoba, the 55 PLUS Program becomes available at age 55.
Manitoba 55 PLUS Seniors Benefit
This program offers a quarterly benefit of up to $161.80 for a single individual and $173.90 per eligible person in a married or common-law relationship.
The income threshold to qualify for the maximum benefit is $9,746.40 (individual) and $16,255.20 (couple).
Manitoba 55 PLUS Program payments are sent in April, July, October, and January.
GST/HST Credit
Seniors can qualify for the GST/HST credit at any age if they meet the eligibility requirements. As of 2024, a single person receives $496 quarterly, while a couple gets $650.
You qualify for GST/HST credit if your family net income is below $52,255 (single person) or $55,335 for a couple with no children under 19.
GST/HST credit payments are tax-free. The payment dates in 2024 are:
- January 5, 2024
- April 5, 2024
- July 5, 2024
- October 5, 2024
Income Assistance For Seniors
Low-income seniors may qualify for income assistance if they are not earning enough to meet their basic needs or do not have a job.
You can learn more about provincial income support programs using the links below:
- Alberta Income Support
- BC Income Assistance
- MB Employment and Income Assistance
- NB Social Assistance Program
- NL Income Support
- NWT Income Assistance Program
- Nova Scotia Income Assistance
- Nunavut Income Assistance
- Ontario Works and ODSP
- PEI Social Assistance Program
- Quebec Welfare Program
- Saskatchewan Income Support (SIS)
- Yukon Social Assistance
Seniors 55+ Discounts
Seniors can take advantage of discounts and exclusive benefits starting at 55. If you are a member of the Canadian Association of Retired Persons, you may already be aware of what’s available.
55+ benefits include:
Restaurants discounts: IHOP, Wendy’s Restaurant, and Denny’s Restaurant.
Pharmacy discounts: Rexall Pharmacy and Lawtons Drugs.
Hotel discounts: Best Western, Sandman Hotel Group, Travelodge Hotels, and Fairmont. CARP membership may be required.
Here are many other senior discounts.
Benefits for Seniors 60 and Older
The CPP and some provincial seniors’ benefits start at age 60.
Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
You can start receiving CPP benefits from age 60. To qualify, you must have made at least one contribution to the plan during your working years.
The maximum monthly CPP benefit in 2024 is $1,364.60. However, the monthly average paid to recipients is much lower at $758.32.
Like the Old Age Security Pension, the standard age to collect CPP is 65.
That said, you could start receiving CPP earlier in exchange for a smaller monthly benefit. There is also the option to delay CPP past 65 for a larger monthly payment.
CPP benefits are taxable.
How much you receive depends on your age, how much you contributed, how long you contributed, and your average earnings while working.
The CPP payment dates in 2024 fall on:
- January 29, 2024
- February 27, 2024
- March 26, 2024
- April 26, 2024
- May 29, 2024
- June 26, 2024
- July 29, 2024
- August 28, 2024
- September 25, 2024
- October 29, 2024
- November 27, 2024
- December 20, 2024
In addition to the CPP retirement pension, seniors (and their family members) may be eligible for other CPP benefits, including:
- CPP post-retirement benefit
- CPP disability pension
- CPP post-retirement disability benefit
- CPP survivor’s pension
- CPP Children’s benefit
- CPP death benefit
CPP Survivor’s Pension
You can qualify for the Survivor’s pension if you were married to a deceased CPP contributor (or were a common-law partner).
If you are under age 65, you get a flat rate portion plus 37.5% of the contributor’s retirement pension. In 2024, the maximum survivor’s monthly pension amount (under age 65) is $739.31.
If you are 65 or older, you receive 60% of the contributor’s retirement pension. In 2024, the maximum survivor’s monthly pension amount (65 or older) is $818.76.
Related:
Senior Citizens Benefits in Canada: Age 65 and Older
Old Age Security (OAS) is the universal benefit available to most seniors in Canada. It is available starting at age 65.
Old Age Security (OAS)
OAS is a monthly payment to eligible seniors who have resided in Canada for at least ten (10) years as adults. Unlike the CPP, you don’t need to make any contributions to qualify for OAS benefits.
How much you receive depends on how long you have lived in Canada since turning 18.
To get the maximum amount, you must have lived in Canada for at least 40 years since the age of 18. For shorter periods, your benefits are pro-rated.
The maximum monthly OAS payments in 2024 are as follows:
- Age 65 to 74: $713.34
- Age 75 and over: $784.67
OAS Payments are clawed back when your annual income exceeds a threshold ($142,609 to $148,179 in 2024). Also, benefits are indexed to the Consumer Price Index and updated in January, April, July, and October.
OAS Payment dates in 2024 are:
- January 29, 2024
- February 27, 2024
- March 26, 2024
- April 26, 2024
- May 29, 2024
- June 26, 2024
- July 29, 2024
- August 28, 2024
- September 25, 2024
- October 29, 2024
- November 27, 2024
- December 20, 2024
Supplemental OAS benefits include the Guaranteed Income Supplement, Allowance, and Allowance for the Survivor.
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
Senior citizens with low income may qualify for the GIS and receive extra OAS benefits.
To qualify as a single, widowed, or divorced senior (age 65 or older), your income must be below $21,624. If you have a spouse or common-law partner, the threshold income ranges from $28,560 to $51,840, depending on whether they receive OAS benefits.
GIS payments are made monthly, and they are taxable.
Allowance
A senior aged 60 to 64 could qualify for Allowance benefits if their spouse or partner is eligible for the GIS.
The maximum monthly Allowance payment is $1,354.69, with a maximum family income threshold below $39,984.
Allowance benefits stop when you turn 65 and become eligible for the OAS or if your spouse or partner is no longer eligible for GIS.
Allowance for the Survivor
If your spouse or partner has died and you are aged 60 to 64 (not yet receiving OAS), you may be eligible for the Allowance for the Survivor benefit.
The maximum monthly benefit in 2024 is $1,614.89. However, it is income-tested like other OAS benefits, and your annual income must be less than $29,112.
Related: Benefits for Senior Immigrants.
Extra Money For Seniors in Canada
Each Canadian province has some form of income support for low-income seniors. These generally start at age 60 or older.
They may also offer tax credits, healthcare, housing, and community support.
The main provincial senior benefits are:
Alberta Seniors Benefit
To qualify for the Alberta Seniors Benefit, you must:
- Be 65 years of age or older.
- Have lived in Alberta for at least three (3) months immediately before applying.
- Receive the OAS.
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Single seniors receive up to $12,312 annually, while couples get up to $16,104.
Income thresholds apply before you can qualify: $31,080 or less (single senior) or $50,720 or less (senior couple).
You can qualify for this benefit here.
British Columbia Seniors Supplement
The B.C. Senior’s Supplement tops up the GIS or Allowance benefit received by eligible recipients.
The maximum monthly amount is $99.30 for a single senior and $220.50 for senior couples.
You are automatically assessed for the Senior’s Supplement when you apply for the GIS. Learn more about the program.
New Brunswick Low-Income Senior’s Benefit
Low-income seniors in New Brunswick can qualify for a $400 benefit if they are a resident of New Brunswick as of December 31, 2022, and have received one of these OAS benefits:
- Guaranteed Income Supplement
- Allowance for the Survivor
- Allowance
You must be at least 60 years old. For couples receiving the GIS, only one $400 benefit is provided.
Applications can be submitted online starting April 1. For inquiries, call 1-833-796-0944.
Newfoundland and Labrador Senior’s Benefit
Senior couples or individuals with a family net income of $29,402 or less qualify for a maximum benefit of $1,444 in 2023.
Benefits are phased out at a rate of 11.66% for net family incomes between $29,402 and $41,786.
You must be at least 64 years of age to receive the Newfoundland and Labrador Seniors’ Benefit. Learn more about the program.
NWT Senior Citizen Supplementary Benefit
Seniors in the Northwest Territories qualify for the NWT Senior Citizen Supplementary Benefit (SCSB) if they receive the OAS and the GIS or Allowance federal benefits.
The monthly SCSB amount is $196.
Nova Scotia Seniors’ Pharmacare Program
The Nova Scotia Seniors’ Pharmacare Program helps pay for drugs and some supplies. To enroll, you must:
- Live in Nova Scotia
- Have a valid Nova Scotia health card.
- Be at least 65 years old.
- Not have prescription drug coverage under other insurance plans.
An annual premium is required based on your household income, plus an annual copayment.
The maximum annual premium is $424 (waived if you receive GIS), the copayment is 30% of the total cost of each prescription, and it is capped at #382 annually.
Nova Scotia also offers a Seniors Care Grant of up to $500 to help low-income seniors with the cost of household services like snow removal, grocery delivery, and transportation.
Nunavut pays its low-income senior citizens $300 monthly. This benefit is automatically included in the monthly OAS Cheques.
To qualify, you must be at least 60 years old and be receiving the GIS or Spouse’s Allowance.
Ontario Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS) Payments For Seniors
GAINS is a monthly, non-taxable benefit for low-income seniors in Ontario.
To qualify, you must be:
- 65 or older
- Have lived in Ontario during the last 12 months or for 20 years since age 18.
- Receive the OAS and GIS.
- Resident in Canada for at least ten (10) years
- Have a private income of $1,992 or less (single senior) or $3,984 or less (senior couple).
GAINS payments are issued around the 25th day of each month.
The maximum GAINS benefit in 2024 is $166 monthly for single seniors and up to $332 monthly for couples.
You are automatically assessed for GAINS eligibility if you receive the OAS and GIS benefits.
PEI Seniors Benefits
While Prince Edward Island does not have a senior’s benefits program, you can take advantage of various supports, including:
- Seniors Home Repair Program: Get up to $4,000 for eligible repairs to your roof, windows, doors, or furnace.
- Seniors Safe @ Home Program: Available to seniors aged 60 and above, you could receive up to $10,000 to help with the cost of renovations that improve accessibility.
- Seniors Independence Initiative: Get financial assistance of up to $1,700 for services that make it easier to remain in your own home. These include services like snow removal, meal preparation, grass cutting, and transportation.
- Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program: Eligible seniors aged 65 and offer may be able to defer property tax payments on their principal residence.
Quebec Seniors Benefits
In addition to the Quebec Pension Plan (CPP equivalent) and OAS pension, senior citizens in Quebec get access to tax credits and supports (where applicable), including:
- Senior Assistance Tax Credit
- Independent Living Tax Credit For Seniors
- Tax Credit for Seniors’ activities
- Prescription Drug Insurance
- Shelter Allowance
- Grants for Seniors to Offset a Municipal Tax Increase.
Learn more here.
Saskatchewan Seniors Income Plan
The Seniors Income Plan (SIP) provides eligible seniors with a maximum monthly benefit of up to $360 (single individual) or $325 each (senior couple).
To qualify, you must:
- Be 65 years or older and live in Saskatchewan.
- Receive full or partial OAS pension and GIS.
- Meet annual income thresholds.
Yukon Low-Income Senior’s Supplement
The Yukon Senior’s Income Supplement (YSIS) pays $288.61 monthly to eligible Yukoners.
To qualify, you must be a Yukon resident, 65 years of age or older, and be receiving OAS and GIS or the Allowance program benefit.
YSIS is administered by the federal government on behalf of the Government of Yukon.
Related:
GST/HST is not $650 per quarter it is $162.5 every 3 months ( quarter )