Seniors Benefits in Manitoba: Provincial and Federal Assistance

If you’re a senior in Manitoba, you can expect to receive provincial and federal benefits that help you with your needs. 

These benefits include the provincial 55 PLUS Program and federal benefits like the Canadian Pension Plan (CPP), Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). 

In this article, I discuss the various benefits for seniors 55 and older in Canada, including the provincial and federal benefits in Manitoba for seniors, the eligibility requirements, how much you can get, the payment dates and how to apply for these programs.    

Manitoba Low-Income Benefits

55 PLUS Program 

55 PLUS is an employment and income assistance program that provides quarterly assistance to low-income Manitobans aged 55 and older. The program features two components:

• Junior Component
  • For individuals age 55 or older who are not qualified to receive the Old Age Security (OAS) benefits
  • Single people with an annual income of up to $9,746.40 and couples with an annual family income of up to $16,255.20 will receive partial benefits
• Senior Component
  • For seniors receiving the benefits offered by the OAS program
  • Benefits are based on family composition, net family income and the type and level of OAS benefits you receive

Individuals receiving benefits from the OAS do not need to apply since their eligibility is determined automatically through the Guaranteed Income Supplement, the Allowance, or Allowance for the survivor.

If you receive only the health care benefits of Employment and Income Assistance, you can be eligible for the 55 PLUS benefits.  

Eligibility

• 55 years of age or older
• A resident of Manitoba
• With a total family income below a specific level
• Have a valid Manitoba Health registration number

Besides the above requirements, your net income from the previous tax year is also used to determine your financial eligibility. 

Payment Dates

Eligible individuals receive the 55 PLUS benefits four times annually: in late April, July, October, and January. Recipients receive a benefit cheque for each three-month period.

Amounts

• For a single person qualified to receive the 55 PLUS benefit, the maximum quarterly amount is $161.80. 
• For married people or those with common-law partners, each eligible person gets the maximum amount of $173.90.

How to Apply

Below are the steps to take to apply for the 55 PLUS Program:

1. Download and print the 55 PLUS – A Manitoba Income Supplement application form.
2. Fill out the form completely and bring it to the Manitoba Provincial Services Office or fax it to the number provided:

• Provincial Services, 100 – 114 Garry Street, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4V4
• Phone: 204-948-7368
• Toll Free: 1-877-587-6224
• Email: [email protected]

You can apply at any time during the benefit year, which runs from April 1 to March 31.

Other Federal Benefits and Pensions for Seniors in Canada 

Canadian Pension Plan (CPP)

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) is a monthly, taxable benefit aimed at replacing part of your income during your retirement. If you’re qualified for the CPP, you will receive the monthly benefit for the rest of your life.

Eligibility

• At least 60 years old
• Have made at least one valid contribution to the CPP

Payment Dates

The payment dates for the CPP benefits are as follows:

• 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

Amounts

• If you choose to start your pension at age 65, the maximum monthly amount you can receive is $1,364.60.
• In January 2024, the average monthly pension payment for a newly retired (at age 65) was $831.92. 
• You can get an estimate of your monthly CPP payments by logging in to your My Service Canada Account (MSCA).

How to Apply

If you are eligible for the program, follow these steps to apply for the CPP benefits:

1. Determine when you want to start your pension:
   • As soon as you qualify
   • At age 65 (the month after you turn 65)
   • At a specific date you choose
2. Choose how to apply for the CPP program:
   • Online by logging in to MSCA, or
   • Through a paper application by downloading the application form. 
3. Submit your application:
   • If online, submit through MSCA
   • If through a paper application, mail it to the nearest Service Canada office:
4. Update your mailing address, direct deposit and telephone number. 
5. Wait for the approval of your application. You may receive a notice of the decision through mail within 120 days.

Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is aimed at helping eligible individuals access oral health care. CDCP coverage for seniors aged 70 and older started on May 1, 2024. 

The CDCP services will include preventive, oral surgery, restorative, periodontal, endodontic and other dental services. 

Eligibility

To receive the CDCP benefit, you must meet all the requirements stated below:

• Does not have access to dental insurance
• With an adjusted family net income of below $90,000
• A Canadian resident for tax purposes
• Have filed your tax return in the previous year

Payment Dates

Your CDCP coverage will start when you receive the Sun Life welcome package. You can schedule your appointments on or after your coverage start date.  

CDCP will only start reimbursing the costs for services received (covered under the CDCP) to participating providers after the start date.

Amounts

The CDCP will reimburse a percentage of the cost, using the CDCP’s established fees and your adjusted family net income as a basis. The following are the co-payments you may have to shoulder for services not covered by the plan. 

How to Apply

The application period for seniors 65 and above started in December 2023. 

Seniors are now eligible to apply for the CDCP online even without an invitation letter. Prepare the following to complete your application:

• Full name
• Date of Birth
• Home and mailing address
• List of the dental coverage you have through government social programs (if applicable)
• Social Insurance Number

After your application is approved, you will receive a welcome package from insurer Sun Life. It will contain information on when you can set an appointment with an oral health provider. 

Old Age Security (OAS)

The OAS is a monthly pension available to Canadians aged 65 and older.

Eligibility

• 65 years old or older
• A Canadian citizen or legal resident during the approval of your OAS pension application
• Have resided in Canada for at least 10 years since turning 18

Payment Dates

The payment dates for the OAS benefits 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

Amounts

The table below shows the maximum payments and income thresholds for the OAS from April to June 2024:

Use the Old Age Security Benefits Estimator tool to determine how much you could get from OAS benefits.  

How to Apply

If you are eligible for the OAS, follow these steps to apply for the benefits:

1. If you get a letter from the OAS office asking you to apply, it will contain instructions on what you need to do.
2. Choose when you want your OAS to start:
   1. At age 65 (the month after your 65th birthday)
   2. At a specific date that you prefer
3. Choose how to apply for the OAS:
   1. Online by logging in to MSCA. To apply online, you must be a Canadian resident, at least 1 month past your 64th birthday, and not receive an OAS pension.
   2. Through a paper application. Print and complete the Application for the OAS and the GIS (ISP-3550). Include certified true copies of the required documents.

6. Submit your application:
   • If online, submit through MSCA
   • If through a paper application, mail it to the nearest Service Canada office.
7. Update your mailing address, direct deposit and telephone number. 
8. Wait for the approval of your application. You may receive a notice of the decision through mail within 120 days.

Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)

The GIS is a non-taxable, income-based monthly benefit available to low-income OAS recipients aged 65 or older. 

Eligibility

• 65 or older
• A Canadian resident
• OAS pension recipient
• Meets the income requirements  

Payment Dates

The GIS payment dates are the same as those of the OAS:

• 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

Amounts

The table below shows the maximum payments and income thresholds for GIS benefits from April to June 2024:

How to Apply

Once you are qualified to receive the GIS benefits, follow this procedure:

1. If you get a letter from the GIS office asking you to apply, it will contain instructions on what you must do.
2. Prepare the following documents and information:
   • Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
   • Information about your spouse or common-law partner
   • Where you have lived since 18 years old
   • When you want to start receiving your payments
3. Choose how to apply for the GIS:
   • Online by logging in to MSCA. To apply online, you must be at least 1 month past your 64th birthday and not have a legal representative on your behalf.
   • Through a paper application. Print and complete the application form for the Guaranteed Income Supplement or Statement of Income (ISP-3025). Include certified true copies of the required documents.

9. Submit your application:
   • If applying online, submit through MSCA.
   • If through a paper application, mail it to the nearest Service Canada office.
10. Update your mailing address, direct deposit and telephone number. 
11. Wait for the approval of your application. If approved, you will receive a letter with a decision that will include the following:
    • The monthly amount you will receive
    • The date of your first payment
    • Any previous payments owed to you

FAQs

Can I collect OAS if I live outside Canada? 

You can receive the benefits if one of these two situations applies to you: (a) You lived in Canada for at least 20 years after turning 18, or (b) You lived (for at least 20 years) and worked in a country that has a social security agreement with Canada.  

How much does a senior get for an old age pension in Canada? 

A senior aged 65 to 74 years old, with a 2022 annual net world income below $134,626 can receive the maximum monthly payment of $713.34. Seniors 75 and over with an annual net income below $137,331 can get a maximum of $784.67 monthly.

Do all seniors get the same amount of OAS? 

No. The OAS payment seniors can receive is based on income and how many years they have lived in Canada after turning 18 years old. 

Related:

• Seniors Benefits in Ontario
• Seniors Benefits in Alberta
• Seniors Benefits in Saskatchewan