Canada. Old Age Security Programs

Record #: MET1374
Last Full Update: 11 Aug 2023

Contact Information

Office Phone 1-800-277-9914, English ; Office #2: 1-800-277-9915, French
TTY Phone Toll free 1-800-255-4786
Website www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/old-age-security.html

Agency Information

Legal Status (40) Federal Government

Description and Service Details

Description (Service) Old Age Security (OAS)
  • Monthly pension to legal residents of Canada 65 years and older
  • full pension to those who have lived in Canada for at least 40 years after turning 18
  • partial pension may be available
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) -- Monthly supplement for low income OAS recipients living in Canada

Allowance -- Monthly benefit for low income spouses (60-64 years) of GIS recipients; based on combined income of the couple

Allowance for the Survivor -- Monthly benefit for low income widowed spouses 60-64 years

Social Security Tribunal, 1-877-227-8577 -- independent appeal process for Old Age Security decisions, see separate entry

Programs of Employment and Social Development Canada, delivered by Service Canada

Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS), 1-866-668-8297 -- monthly supplement to low income Ontario seniors receiving OAS and GIS
  • program of the Ontario Ministry of Finance

Retirement Hub - information and resource on pension and retirement planning
Hours Recorded information Mon-Sun 24 hours, call Mon-Fri 8:30 am-4:30 pm to speak to an agent
Areas Served Ontario
Eligibility See Description for age and other qualifications
  • Canada has reciprocal social security agreements with many other countries -- see website for details
Application OAS and GIS Automatic enrollment -- seniors who are eligible for automatic enrollment will receive a notification letter the month after they turn 64, they do not have to apply for OAS
Seniors not eligible for automatic enrollment must complete and mail an application form
  • can apply a maximum of 11 months before pension begins
    GIS -- OAS applicants can indicate on the OAS application form that they wish to apply for GIS
    • status will be reviewed each year when taxes are filed

    Allowance and Allowance for the Survivor -- application form should be submitted 6-11 months before applicant's 60th birthday
    GAINS -- no application required
    • benefits based on information from federal tax return
  • Languages English, French

    Site Information

    Located In Community Toronto
    Address & Map
    Toronto, ON
    Canada
    Mailing Address c/o Service Canada, Stn D; PO Box 5100 
    Toronto, ON 
    Canada M1R 5C8
    Physical Access Not Applicable

    Categories and Classification

    HCSD Main Heading Income Programs ; Older Adults
    HCSD Sub Heading Income Programs for Older Adults ; Income Support Programs for Older Adults ; Social Assistance
    Service Categories Allowance for the Survivor Program ; Guaranteed Income Supplement ; Internet Information Resources ~ Canadian Retirement Issues ; Old Age Security Program ; Spouse's Allowance

    Agency Overview