The Allowance and the Allowance for the Survivor
How we calculate your benefits
The Allowance is based on your income for the previous year plus that of your spouse or common-law partner. The Allowance for the survivor is based on your previous year's income.
The following chart shows the maximum monthly benefits you can receive as of January 1, 2004. Benefits are based on annual income, excluding the Old Age Security pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement.
These amounts may rise four times per year to keep up with inflation.
| Allowance | $820.48 |
|---|---|
| Allowance for the survivor | $905.83 |
Most seniors get less than the maximum amounts because they have income from other sources.
What do you consider to be income?
When applying for the Allowance or the Allowance for the survivor, you must report the following income:
- Canada Pension Plan or Quebec Pension Plan benefits
- private pension income and superannuation
- foreign pension income
- RRSPs that you cashed
- Employment Insurance benefits
- interest on any savings
- any capital gains or dividends
- income from any rental properties
- any employment income
- income from other sources
Old Age Security pension payments and Guaranteed Income Supplement benefits do not count as income. Consult the application form for more details about what to include as income.
What happens if my/our income drops?
In some situations, such as when you stop working or when your other pension income drops, we can calculate your benefits by estimating your income for this year, instead of using last year's income. If you or your spouse or common-law partner have a lower income this year, you should let us know. Your benefits may increase.
What if we separate?
If you and your spouse or common-law partner separate voluntarily for more than three months, your Allowance will end. If you and your spouse are separated for reasons beyond your control (for example, if one of you has to live in a hospital or nursing home), please call us for more information.
What if I remarry?
You qualified for the Allowance for the survivor because your spouse or common-law partner died. If you remarry, your Allowance for the survivor will end. It will also end if you live in a common-law relationship for at least one year. You must notify us of any changes.