The Old Age Security Program

The Old Age Security (OAS) program is the cornerstone of Canada’s retirement income system.

The OAS pension is one of four types of OAS benefits. It is a monthly payment that goes to almost all people aged 65 and older who have lived in Canada for a minimum period of time. For more information about the OAS pension, visit the Service Canada Web site or contact us.

This publication explains the three other types of OAS benefits:

The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) provides extra money to pensioners living in Canada who have low incomes. To be eligible to receive the GIS, you must be receiving (or be eligible to receive) the OAS pension and meet the income requirements.

The Allowance is a benefit for low-income seniors between the ages of 60 and 64. Its purpose is to help them until they become eligible for the OAS pension (and possibly the GIS) at the age of 65.

There are two types of Allowance benefits:

1. The first benefit, known simply as the Allowance, is for spouses or common-law partners of OAS pensioners.
2. The second benefit is called the Allowance for the Survivor and is available to widowed spouses or surviving common-law partners.