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Canada. Human Resources and Skills DevelopmentIncome Security Programs, Old Age Security Program, Allowance |
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| Organization Info | |||||||||
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| Alternate Name | HRSDC ; SDC ; SPA | ||||||||
| Former Name | HRDC ; Human Resources and Social Development ; Human Resources Development Canada ; Spouse's Allowance ; Widowed Spouse's Allowance | ||||||||
| Location | |||||||||
| Located In Community | Halton Region | ||||||||
| Site Location | For local offices see description below | ||||||||
| Mailing Address | PO Box 5100 Station D Scarborough, ON M1R 5C8 | ||||||||
| Areas Served | Halton Region | ||||||||
| Wheelchair Accessibility | Fully Accessible | ||||||||
| Hours/Dates/Meeting Details | |||||||||
| Hours | Agents available at the toll free number Mon-Fri 8:30 am-4:30 pm; Automated Telephone Information System Mon-Sun 24 hours | ||||||||
| Contact Information | |||||||||
| Toll Free Phone | English 1-800-277-9914; French 1-800-277-9915; | ||||||||
| TTY Phone | 1-800-255-4786 | ||||||||
| Website | www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/isp/pub/oas/allowance.shtml | ||||||||
| Description & Services | |||||||||
| Description | The Old Age Security program is one of the cornerstones of Canada's retirement income system. Benefits include the basic Old Age Security pension, the Guaranteed Income Supplement, the Allowance, and the Allowance for the Survivor. All benefits payable under the Old Age Security Act are adjusted in January, April, July and October if there are increases in the cost of living as measured by the Consumer Price Index. The Allowance, which also includes an allowance for persons whose spouse or common-law partner has died, is paid monthly. It is designed to recognize the difficult circumstances faced by many surviving persons and by couples living on the pension of only one spouse or common-law partner. The Allowance may be paid to the spouse or common-law partner of an Old Age Security pensioner, or to a survivor. To qualify, an applicant must be between the ages of 60 and 64 and must have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18. An applicant must also have been a Canadian citizen or a legal resident of Canada on the day preceding the application's approval. To qualify, the combined yearly income of the couple, or the annual income of the survivor, cannot exceed certain limits which are established quarterly. The Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement benefits are not included in their combined yearly income, for the purpose of income-tested benefits only. The Allowance is not payable outside Canada beyond a period of six months regardless of how long the person lived in Canada. Local offices for further information: Burlington Service Canada Office Georgetown Service Canada Office Milton Service Canada Office Oakville Service Canada Office | ||||||||
| Broader Terms | Adults ; Age groups ; Financial programs ; Financial services ; Government | ||||||||
| Subjects | Federal government ; Financial programs ; Income supplements ; Low income people ; Seniors | ||||||||
| Related Terms | Armed forces ; Census ; Crown land ; Government ; Immigration ; International affairs ; Low income housing ; Reduced cost services ; Seniors clubs ; Seniors discounts ; Seniors housing ; Subsidies | ||||||||
| Eligibility | Ages: 60 year(s) and up The Allowance provides money for low-income seniors who meet the following conditions: * your spouse or common-law partner (same sex or opposite sex) receives or is entitled to receive the Old Age Security pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement; * you are 60 to 64 years of age; * you are a Canadian citizen or a legal resident at the time your Allowance is approved or when you last lived in Canada; * you have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18 | ||||||||
| Application | Generally you are sent an application kit when records show that you may be eligible. You should complete the application and return it as soon as possible. If you don't apply right away, you could lose some benefits. Normally, individuals must apply for the Allowance on their own behalf. If applying for someone else contact the office for more information. If a person has not received an application, but thinks he/she may be eligible, please call the toll free number 1-800-277-9914. Recipients must re-apply annually. | ||||||||
| Fees | None | ||||||||
| Languages | English ; French | ||||||||
| Directory Description and Headings | |||||||||
| Seniors Directory Headings | Government Programs/ Pensions/ Financial Aid | ||||||||
| Other Details | |||||||||
| Funding | Federal | ||||||||
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