The Allowance and the Allowance for the Survivor
Renewing your benefits
The Allowance and the Allowance for the survivor are based on annual income. Since your income can change from year to year, you must renew your application for these benefits each year.
In most cases, you can renew your Allowance or your Allowance for the survivor when you file your income tax and benefit return. If you file by the April 30th deadline, the Canada Revenue Agency will give us the income information we require.
If you do not file an income tax and benefit return, or if we need more information, we will send you a renewal form. If you receive a form from us, you must complete and return it as soon as you have all the necessary income information.
Each July, you will receive a letter that tells you the amount of your new monthly payment.
If you do not reapply for the Allowance or the Allowance for the survivor in the spring, or if your income is higher than a certain level, your payments will end in July of that year. Your benefits will also stop when you reach 65 and become eligible for the Old Age Security pension.