Last reviewed in February 2023 by the Clicklaw Editors

The old age security (OAS) pension is a monthly benefit available to most Canadians 65 years of age or older who have lived in Canada for at least 10 years. The amount of your OAS pension will be determined by how long you have lived in Canada after the age of 18.

The guaranteed income supplement (GIS) provides a monthly non-taxable benefit to Old Age Security (OAS) pension recipients who have a low income and are living in Canada. The amount of the GIS you receive depends on your marital status and your previous year's income.

Good starting points include:

• When I'm 64: Benefits for Older Adults, from the People's Law School, provides information about the old age security pension, including who is eligible for the full OAS pension.
• Old Age Security Pension, from Service Canada, includes information on who is eligible for old age security pension and how to apply. It includes a link to the OAS program toolkit with more details.
• Guaranteed Income Supplement, from Service Canada, includes information on who is eligible for the guaranteed income supplement and how to apply.

Need more help?

• Service Canada, from the federal government, can help you with information about government benefits, including the old age security pension. Call 1-800-O-CANADA (1-800-622-6232) or find a Service Canada Centre near you.
• Find an Advocate, from PovNet, provides a list of community advocates who may be able to provide information or assistance regarding your rights and government benefits.
• Find more help near you on Clicklaw HelpMap.

See our related common questions:

• See all common questions about pensions, benefits & welfare
• See all common questions about seniors

tags

old age security pension (OAS), pensions, eligibility for OAS, old age security, senior's benefits, guaranteed income supplement (GIS), eligibility for GIS