Public pensions – COVID-19
From: Employment and Social Development Canada
One-time payment to persons with disabilities
- This one-time payment provides financial support to help persons with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Find out if you are eligible for the one-time payment to persons with disabilities
One-time tax-free payment for seniors
This one-time payment provides financial support to help you cover increased costs caused by COVID-19:
- $300 for seniors eligible for the Old Age Security pension, and
- an additional $200 for seniors eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement
If you receive the Old Age Security pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement, you will receive a single payment of $500.
You do not have to apply. This payment will be issued as soon as possible.
An important note for people applying for Canada Pension Plan, Canada Pension Plan Disability or Old Age Security
You can apply online through your My Service Canada Account for the following:
- Canada Pension Plan Retirement Pension
- Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefit, or
- Old Age Security/Guaranteed Income Supplement
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Service Canada is strongly encouraging you to apply for these benefits online, from the comfort of your home. You will not be required to submit documentation to support your application at this time. Service Canada may be requesting these documents at a later date, but in the meantime, we can begin working on your application.
Full time student aged 18 to 25: Disabled contributor’s child’s benefit and surviving child’s benefit - Canada Pension Plan
Students under 25 who are applying for or renewing their benefit are normally required to have the Declaration of Attendance at School or University signed by the registrar at the educational institution they are attending. If the student is no longer attending classes, they are normally required to notify us.
If you are over the age of 18 and currently receiving a child benefit
If your educational institution has closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, your benefits will continue to be paid without interruption until the end date we currently have in our system. For most students, this date would be September 2020 or when you turn 25. There is no need to advise Service Canada.
If you are turning 18 and your parent/guardian is in receipt of a child benefit
You should have received a Declaration of Attendance at School or University. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Service Canada is waiving the requirement to have your educational institution sign Section C of the Declaration of Attendance at School or University. Please complete the form and send to Service Canada.
Foreign payments
Canada Post is currently not accepting mail and parcels destined to a large number of countries. To learn more about which destinations are impacted, please visit the Canada Post Delivery Service Alerts page.
You are encouraged to sign up for Foreign Direct Deposit (FDD) so that your payments can be directly deposited into your foreign bank account. For more information about FDD and for a list of participating countries, please visit the Direct deposit for individuals with a foreign bank account page.
For more information on Public Pensions such as how to apply and eligibility requirements, go to Public Pensions or call 1-800-277-9914.
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