Seniors Financial Assistance Programs

If you are age 65 or older and have lived in Canada for 10 or more years, you can apply for the Old Age Security benefit (OAS). You can make your application six months before you turn 65, and are encouraged to complete an annual income tax return in order to avoid any processing delays. Canadians with low incomes who already receive the OAS can apply for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). Visit the Government of Canada's OAS page for more info.

OLD AGE SECURITY

The Old Age Security pension is a monthly payment available to most Canadians aged 65 or older. You must apply to receive benefits. If you meet the eligibility requirements you may be entitled to receive the Old Age Security pension even if you are still working or have never worked.

GUARANTEED INCOME SUPPLEMENT

The Guaranteed Income Supplement provides additional money, on top of the Old Age Security pension, to low-income seniors living in Canada. To be eligible for the GIS benefit, you must be receiving the Old Age Security pension and meet income requirements based on the income tax from the previous year.

ALBERTA SENIORS BENEFIT

The Alberta Seniors Benefit is a monthly benefit paid to seniors to provide support in addition to the federal benefits received under Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement. It is based on income and provides monthly benefits to eligible seniors. For more info visit: Alberta Senior's Benefit Program page.

SPECIAL NEEDS ASSISTANCE

The Special Needs Assistance for Seniors program provides financial assistance to eligible seniors with low income toward the cost of some appliances, and specific health and personal supports. The program provides a lump-sum payment for eligible expenses. The maximum assistance available is $5,412 in a benefit year (July 1 to June 30). Go to the Province of Alberta's special needs assistance page for more info.

DENTAL AND OPTICAL ASSISTANCE

The Dental Assistance for Seniors program is based on income and provide low to moderate income seniors with financial assistance for basic dental that help maintain a reasonable level of dental health. The program provides up to $5,000 of coverage per person every five years.

The Optical Assistance for Seniors program is based on income and provides low- to moderate- income seniors with assistance up to $230 toward the purchase of prescription eyeglasses every three years.

Visit the province's Dental and Optical Assistance for Seniors page for more info.