Financial Assitance

A monthly pension from the Government of Canada for seniors aged 65 and older. OAS is not income-tested (most Canadians who meet the residency requirements receive it), and it provides a basic pension payment to help with living expenses in retirement.

Eligibility: Age 65+, Canadian citizen or legal resident, and have met minimum residency requirements (if you’ve lived in Canada for at least 10 years since age 18, you can receive OAS; 40 years in Canada after age 18 gives the full amount).

How to access: You must apply for OAS through Service Canada.

Applications can be done online or via paper forms. It’s recommended to apply about 6 months before your 65th birthday.

For assistance, contact Service Canada’s OAS/GIS inquiry line at 1-800-277-9914, or visit the Service Canada office in Iqaluit for help with forms.

A supplementary monthly benefit for low-income seniors who are already receiving OAS. GIS provides additional money on top of the OAS pension to seniors who have little or no other income.

Eligibility: Available to OAS pensioners who have income below a certain threshold (apart from OAS). The amount of GIS depends on marital status and other income – it is highest for those with no other income.

How to access: You must apply for GIS (usually at the same time as OAS). After that, renewing GIS is generally automatic each year as long as you file your income taxes.

To apply or inquire, contact Service Canada (1-800-277-9914) or the local Service Canada office. Make sure to file annual tax returns so that Service Canada can assess your GIS eligibility each year.

A monthly benefit for individuals who have worked in Canada and contributed to the Canada Pension Plan during their working years. Many elders receive CPP in addition to OAS/GIS. You can start CPP as early as age 60 or as late as 70 (the amount is adjusted depending on start age).

Eligibility: Workers who have made at least one valid contribution to CPP and are at least 60 years old. The amount you receive depends on your contributions over your working life.

How to access: You must apply for CPP through Service Canada (it does not start automatically). It’s ideal to apply about 6 months before you want your pension to begin.

Contact Service Canada at 1-800-277-9914 or use your My Service Canada Account online to apply. There are also CPP benefits for survivors (a monthly benefit for the spouse of a deceased CPP contributor) and CPP Disability (for those under 65 who can no longer work due to disability). If applicable, inquire with Service Canada about these related programs.

A territorial program (Department of Family Services) that provides financial support for basic needs (food, utilities, etc.) to individuals and families who have insufficient income. While many elders qualify for federal pensions, some may still experience financial hardship. Income Assistance can help low-income seniors, especially those not receiving OAS/GIS or those under 65 who are in need.

Eligibility: Must be a Nunavut resident and demonstrate financial need based on an assessment (income and assets). Elders who have little income aside from OAS/GIS may qualify for a top-up, and those under 65 who cannot work (e.g., due to health reasons) may also qualify.

How to access: Contact the Iqaluit Income Support office at 867-975-6576 to make an appointment for an assessment. A caseworker will guide the applicant through the application, which requires documentation of income, expenses, and household circumstances. Income Assistance benefits are determined monthly and clients must check in regularly with their caseworker to continue receiving support.