Tables of Rates for Old Age Security, Guaranteed Income Supplement and the Allowances

Tables of Rates for Old Age Security, Guaranteed Income Supplement and the Allowances are updated quarterly and list the benefit entitlements according to income level and marital status.

NOTE: Help on accessing alternative formats, such as Portable Document Format (PDF) files, can be obtained in the alternate format help section.

Printable version in PDF format (274 KB, 44 pages)

January to March 2012

The following tables of rates for the OAS program will help you determine the amount of your monthly benefit for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), the Allowance, and the Allowance for the survivor. These benefits are available to seniors with a low or modest income.

For maximum and average monthly rates, please refer to the Old Age Security Payment Rates.

NOTE: On June 6, 2011, the Government of Canada introduced a new measure in the Budget to enhance the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), the Allowance (ALW), and the Allowance for the Survivor (ALWS) for seniors with little or no income other than these benefits. The increase is effective July 1, 2011 and be included in the regular July payment.

Who should use the tables

These tables can be used if you receive the maximum OAS pension and you wish to determine the amount of:

  • your GIS, or
  • the Allowance for your spouse or common-law partner, or
  • the Allowance for the survivor.

If you are a pensioner but do not receive the maximum OAS pension you should contact us to receive accurate information about your benefits.

Using the tables of rates

There are five tables. The type of benefit depends on your age, income and marital status. To find your monthly benefit, choose the table and yearly income range that describes your situation.

Note: Your yearly income is your income from the previous calendar year. Do not include income from OAS, GIS or the Allowance. What do you consider to be income?

Table 1 - GIS rates for single, widowed or divorced pensioners

Calculating your Guaranteed Income Supplement, Allowance, or Allowance for the Survivor Enhancement Amount.

 

Table 2 - GIS rates for married or common-law partners, both receiving OAS

 

Table 3 - GIS rates for OAS pensioners whose spouse or common-law partner does not receive OAS or the Allowance

 

Table 4 - GIS and Allowance rates for an OAS pensioner and spouse or common-law partner 60 to 64 years of age

 

Table 5 - Allowance rates for a widowed spouse or common-law partner 60 to 64 years of age (Allowance for the survivor)

 

How the rates are adjusted

The benefit rates for OAS, GIS and the Allowance are adjusted four times a year for inflation (January, April, July & October). These adjustments are based on increases in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). If the CPI decreases, the benefit rates will stay the same.

More information on OAS rates and the CPI

More information on benefits

  • The Old Age Security (OAS) pension is available to all residents of Canada who are 65 or older and who meet the residence requirements.
  • The Guaranteed Income Supplement(GIS) is provided to OAS pensioners with little or no other income.
  • The Allowance is available to 60 to 64 year-old low-income spouses or common-law partners of OAS pensioners who receive the GIS.
  • The Allowance for the survivor is available to low-income widowed spouses or common-law partners between the ages of 60 and 64.
  • For current rates, you can also consult the Old Age Security Payment Rates.

Note: The department will determine the correct entitlement if the amounts listed differ from the supplement you receive. In case of disputes, the wording and provisions of the Old Age Security Act and Regulations prevail.

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