The Allowance and the Allowance for the Survivor
The Allowance and the Allowance for the survivor are benefits for seniors aged 60 to 64 with low incomes. They are designed to bridge the gap until these people become eligible for the OAS pension. To receive the Allowance or the Allowance for the survivor, you must meet the requirements described later in this booklet.
What is a "spouse"? What is a "common-law partner"?
For the purposes of OAS, a "spouse" is the person to whom you are legally married. A "common-law partner" is a person of the same or opposite sex with whom you have been living in a conjugal relationship for at least one year.