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Benefits

The Allowance: Benefit for 60 to 64 Year Olds With a GIS Spouse

The Allowance is a tax-free monthly payment of up to $1,448.06 for people aged 60 to 64 whose spouse or common-law partner gets OAS and the GIS. Your combined income must be under $42,768. Apply 6 to 11 months before you turn 60.

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Who qualifies

  • You are 60 to 64.
  • Your spouse or common-law partner gets the OAS pension and the GIS.
  • You are a Canadian citizen or legal resident.
  • You have lived in Canada at least 10 years since age 18.
  • Your combined income is under $42,768.
  • Neither of you is under a sponsorship agreement.

How much

Up to $1,448.06 a month for October to December 2026. It is not taxable.

When to apply

Apply 6 to 11 months before your 60th birthday. If you are already 60 to 64, apply as soon as possible. Apply online in My Service Canada Account or by mail.

What happens later

  • If your spouse dies, you switch automatically to the Allowance for the Survivor.
  • At 65 you move to your own OAS pension and, if your income is low, the GIS.
  • Like GIS, the Allowance is recalculated each July from your tax returns. Both of you should file every year.

Phone numbers

CPP and OAS (also Personal Access Codes for returning CPP/OAS clients)

1-800-277-9914

Agents: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm local time. Automated: 24/7.

From outside Canada and the U.S.: 1-613-957-1954 (collect, Eastern time)

TTY: 1-800-255-4786

Related

Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) 2026: Amounts and Income Limits The Guaranteed Income Supplement is a tax-free monthly payment for low-income seniors who get OAS. For October to December 2026, a single senior can get up to $1,138.90 a month if their income is under $23,112. Most people are enrolled automatically with their OAS. Allowance for the Survivor: Up to $1,726 for Widowed Seniors 60 to 64 The Allowance for the Survivor is a tax-free monthly payment of up to $1,726.18 for people aged 60 to 64 whose spouse or common-law partner has died and who have not remarried or entered a new common-law relationship. Income must be under $31,152. You usually need to apply. Old Age Security (OAS) 2026: Amounts, Eligibility and How to Apply Old Age Security is a monthly pension for people 65 and older who have lived in Canada at least 10 years after age 18. For October to December 2026 the maximum is $762.50 a month at 65 to 74 and $838.75 at 75 and over. Most people are enrolled automatically.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get the Allowance if my spouse only gets OAS?

No. Your spouse or partner must also be eligible for the GIS.

Is the Allowance taxable?

No. It is a non-taxable benefit.

Sources

North Help Desk is an independent guide, not a government website. Rules, amounts and phone hours can change; always confirm on the official page before you act. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.