Allowance is a monthly benefit for low-income seniors (aged 60-64) whose spouse or common-law partner is eligible for, or currently receiving, Old Age Security (OAS). You must be a Canadian citizen or a legal resident at the time your Allowance is approved or when you last lived here, and have lived in Canada since age 18 for at least 10 years.

Recipients must re-apply annually. Benefits are not considered as income for income tax purposes.

At age 65, most people who receive the Allowance will have their benefit automatically changed to the Old Age Security Pension. Again, depending on income, you may then also be able to receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement.

For more information call:
Please have your Social Insurance Number on hand when you call.
1 800 277-9914 - service in English
1 800 277-9915 - service in French
1 800 255-4786 - If you are hearing or speech-impaired and use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD)

Additional Information available at: Allowance Program