The Government of Canada is working hard to support Canadian seniors so they can continue to be integral members of society.That is why we have put in place measures to make sure that seniors continue to have access to improved income security.

“Our government knows some seniors have difficulty making ends meet. That is why we have adopted measures aimed at improving income security by restoring the age of eligibility for Old Age Security and GIS benefits to 65, improving the quality of life for seniors across Canada.”

– The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Seniors

• The objective of the OAS program is to ensure a minimum income for seniors and reduce poverty among Canada's seniors. The OAS benefits include the basic pension, which is paid to all individuals aged 65 and older who meet the residence requirements, the GIS for low-income seniors, and the Allowances for low-income individuals aged 60 to 64 who are the spouses/partners of GIS recipients, or who are widow/widowers.

• Half of new pensioners are now automatically enrolled in the OAS pension and the GIS, as part of the government commitment to service improvement for pension benefits.

• Service Canada has an OAS Program Toolkit, making it easier for advocates and support groups to help seniors become aware of and obtain their OAS pension and other related benefits.

Associated links

• Canadian Pension Plans
• Old Age Security

For media enquiries, please contact:

Lars Wessman
Communications Advisor
Office of the Minister of Seniors
873-396-0742
lars.wessman@hrsdc-rhddc.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca