The Allowance and Survivor Allowance
Hi there, Welcome back to “Your Canadian Senior Moment”!
Last week, we talked about the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), a valuable new benefit that could help many seniors. This week, we’re diving into two of the most overlooked government benefits that can provide crucial financial support for those who need it most: The Allowance and the SurvivorAllowance. These benefits are for a very specific group of Canadians, and many people are unaware they even exist.
What is The Allowance?
The Allowance is a monthly, non-taxable benefit that is paid to the spouse or common-law partner of an Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) recipient.
To be eligible, both you and your spouse must meet all of the following criteria:
- You must be between 60 and 64 years of age.
- Your spouse or common-law partner must be receiving an OAS pension and be eligible for the GIS.
- You must have lived in Canada for at least 10 years since the age of 18.
- Your combined annual income must be below a certain threshold (for 2025, this is less than $41,184).
The Allowance provides valuable financial support until you turn 65, at which point you become eligible for your own OAS and other benefits.
What is The Allowance for the Survivor?
This benefit is very similar to The Allowance, but it is specifically for those who have lost their spouse or common-law partner. It is a monthly, non-taxable benefit that can provide financial support during a difficult time.
To be eligible, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- You must be between 60 and 64 years of age.
- Your spouse or common-law partner has passed away, and you have not remarried or entered into a common-law relationship.
- You must have lived in Canada for at least 10 years since the age of 18.
- Your annual income must be below a certain threshold (for 2025, this is less than $29,976).
Your Turn to Claim!
These benefits are not automatic, and they are not widely advertised, which is why so many eligible Canadians miss out on them. If you or your spouse meet these criteria, it is essential to apply. You can apply for both of these benefits through a paper application or through your My Service Canada Account.
Take a moment to check if you or someone you know may be eligible. You can find the application forms and detailed instructions on the Canada.ca website.
This is the second installment of our new, long-running series. Next week, we’ll dive into a new topic: tax credits and savings, including the Age Amount and a new credit for home renovations.
Warmly,
Bill and Marilyn
Founders of Canadian Senior Moment
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**Bill Gould** spent 43 years as a long-haul truck driver before trading the steering wheel for a keyboard to help fellow Canadians navigate the road of retirement. A freelance writer, published author, and editor of over 50 books, Bill co-founded *Canadian Senior Moment* with his wife, Marilyn, to provide a trusted space for seniors to find clarity, safety, and connection in the digital age. When he isn’t troubleshooting “tech gremlins” or sharing childhood memories of the Prairies, he can be found in his woodshop or working on his latest novel.