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Ontario|Seniors LawSeniors Law 728 Old Age Security (OAS) Old Age Security is a benefit paid to most senior citizens. The Old Age Security Program is administered by the federal government through Human Resources Development Canada. Eligibility for Old Age Security benefits depends on your age, how long you have lived in Canada, and your marital status.
You are normally eligible to receive Old Age Security benefits one month after your 65th birthday. However, you will need to apply by filling out an application form available from a Human Resources Development Canada centre. Spouses and widowed spouses may be eligible for a benefit from the age of 60 if their income is below a certain level.
Eligibility for Old Age Security benefits will also depend on the total number of total years that you have lived in Canada, and whether you currently live in Canada. If you presently live in Canada, you will be eligible for benefits if you lived in Canada for at least 10 years since you turned 18 years old. If you presently live outside of Canada, you will have had to have lived in Canada for at least 20 years since your 18th birthday in order to be eligible for benefits. However, if you do not qualify in either of these categories, you may still be eligible for benefits depending on agreements that may exist between Canada and the countries that you have lived in or presently live in.
Third, your eligibility for Old Age Security benefits will depend on your marital status and the income of your spouse. This includes whether you are married, separated, widowed, or living common-law for at least one year.
In addition to regular Old Age Security benefits, there is the Guaranteed Income supplement benefit which is paid to seniors whose income or combined income with their spouse is very low. To receive the guaranteed income supplement benefit, you will be required to re-apply each year.
To apply for Old Age Security benefits or the Guaranteed Income Supplement, call Human Resources Development Canada listed in the Blue pages of the telephone book.
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