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Benefits

Government Benefits for Seniors in Canada: OAS, GIS, CPP and More

The main federal benefits for seniors are Old Age Security (OAS), the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) for lower-income OAS recipients, and the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) retirement pension. All are managed through Service Canada and My Service Canada Account.

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The main programs

  • Old Age Security: a monthly pension for most people 65 and older. Higher incomes repay part of it (the OAS clawback).
  • Guaranteed Income Supplement: an extra monthly payment for OAS recipients with low income. You can apply online.
  • Canada Pension Plan: based on what you contributed while working. The maximum at 65 for January 2026 is $1,507.65 a month; the average for new pensioners in July 2026 was $858.34.
  • Canadian Dental Care Plan: dental coverage for eligible people without dental insurance.

Tax help for seniors

The pension income amount (up to $2,000) and pension income splitting can reduce tax on retirement income.

Phone numbers

CPP and OAS (Canada and U.S.)

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)

Related

CPP and OAS Payment Dates 2026 Remaining 2026 dates: November 26 and December 22. Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security are paid on the same day each month, near the end of the month. December's payment comes early, on December 22. OAS Phone Number: How to Contact Old Age Security The Old Age Security phone number is 1-800-277-9914 (Canada and the U.S.), the same as CPP. Agents answer Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm local time; the automated service runs 24/7. From outside Canada and the U.S., call 1-613-957-1954 collect. Pension Income Amount (Line 31400): The Up-to-$2,000 Tax Credit If you receive eligible pension, superannuation or annuity income, you can claim the pension income amount on line 31400: the lesser of $2,000 or your eligible pension income. What counts as eligible depends on whether you are under 65 or 65 and older. Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP): Who Qualifies and How to Apply The Canadian Dental Care Plan helps pay for dental care if you have no access to dental insurance and your adjusted family net income is under $90,000. You must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes and have filed last year's tax return. Under $70,000 there is no co-payment; from $70,000 to $89,999 you pay 40% or 60% of covered costs.

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.