Housing Help
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FederalIncome benefit Canada-wide (Federal)Verified June 2026

Old Age Security Allowance (for 60-64 year olds)

This gives you a tax-free payment each month if you are 60 to 64, have a low income, and your partner gets the Guaranteed Income Supplement. It helps your household with housing and other costs. You can get up to $1,409.72 a month. The amount depends on your combined income.

What you get

Up to $1,409.72/month

Who it's for

You qualify if you are 60 to 64, have a low income, live in Canada, and your partner can get the GIS.

Start your application

This takes you to the official website

What to have ready

Documents they may ask for

  • Government ID for everyone in your household, if available
  • A copy of your lease or rent agreement
  • Recent rent receipt, ledger, or proof of what you owe
  • Recent pay stubs, benefit statement, or income proof
  • ODSP, Ontario Works, CPP, OAS, or other benefit statement if you have one
  • Recent bank statement, if the program asks for it

What to say when you call

Hi, I am looking for housing help. Can you tell me if this program fits my situation, what documents I need, and whether there is anyone who can help me apply?

Use the official page first, then call 211 if you are not sure where to start.

Can I get this?

You have a good chance if this sounds like you:

  • You qualify if you are 60 to 64, have a low income, live in Canada, and your partner can get the GIS
  • Apply 6 to 11 months before you turn 60, or as soon as you can if you are already 60 to 64

What to do next

Check off each step as you go — we'll remember where you are.

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The fine print

More details about the money

Up to $1,409.72 per month when your spouse or common-law partner receives the GIS and the full OAS pension. The amount depends on your combined income and is reviewed quarterly (January, April, July, October) against the cost of living.

Amounts and eligibility change. Confirm the current figure with the program administrator through the official link before you rely on it.

The full eligibility rules

You are 60 to 64 years old, have low income, are a Canadian resident, and your spouse or common-law partner is eligible to receive the GIS. Apply 6 to 11 months before you turn 60, or as soon as possible if you are already 60 to 64.

Good to know

Confirmed on the official OAS Allowance page read directly in-browser: up to $1,409.72/month (spouse receives GIS and full OAS), ages 60-64, low income, spouse eligible for GIS, apply 6-11 months before turning 60. Amount is indexed and reviewed quarterly. A related Allowance for the Survivor exists for low-income widowed people aged 60-64.

Official sources we checked
Official program page
This is a summary to get you started — the official page always has the final say. Spot something wrong? Tell us.
This guide is published by Mithulan Perinpanayagam, CPA, CA, who also co-founds Foundation Capital, a private real-estate firm that operates rental housing. Foundation Capital does not set its rents based on anything on this site. This guide is information only — not financial, legal, tax, or benefits advice, and using it does not create a professional relationship. Always confirm current details with the program administrator through the official link before you rely on them.

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