Other Public Retirement Benefits

Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Quebec Pension Plan (QPP)

If you contributed to the CPP and/or the QPP in at least one year since January 1966, you may be eligible for a retirement pension from one plan or the other, at the age of 65.

You can apply to receive your CPP retirement pension (or your QPP retirement pension) as early as age 60 if you choose. Be aware that the earlier you take your retirement pension, the less it will be. The later you take it (up to the age of 70 when increases stop), the more it will be.

Disability and survivor benefits are also available under both plans if sufficient contributions have been made.

You must apply to receive any of these benefits. Visit the Service Canada Web site or contact us for more information about the CPP.

For more information about the QPP, please contact La Régie des rentes du Québec:

On the web:: http://www.rrq.gouv.qc.ca/en
By phone:: 1‑800‑463‑5185
(TTY : 1‑800‑603‑3540)

Employment Insurance

You may be eligible for benefits under the Employment Insurance program. Please contact us for more information.

Note: Any OAS, GIS, Allowance, and Allowance for the Survivor benefits you receive are not counted as income when we calculate your OAS benefits—however, any EI, CPP, and QPP benefits you receive are considered to be income and may affect the GIS, Allowance, or Allowance for the Survivor benefit you receive.

War Veterans Allowance

If you are a veteran, you may be entitled to receive benefits under other federal programs such as financial assistance under the War Veterans Allowance Act. For more information, call Veterans Affairs Canada at 1‑866‑522‑2122 or visit the Veterans Affairs Canada's Web site.

Provincial/territorial and municipal programs

Your provincial/territorial and municipal governments may offer income assistance and services to seniors. For more information, please contact these governments directly.