Pensions

About Pensions 

Old Age Security (OAS), the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), and the Canada Pension Plan are all programs administered by Service Canada that are available for seniors. 

How can our office assist you with pension matters? 

Our office can communicate with Service Canada on your behalf to follow up on the status of an application, inquire about any changes you’ve experienced with your OAS, GIS, or CPP, or to ask for additional information about your pensions. 

Please note that our office works at arm’s length from Service Canada and therefore, we are not able to intervene in Service Canada’s decisions and processes.   

If you would like our office’s assistance with a pension matter, please email us your request at [email protected], and include the specific program you would like assistance with, along with your postal code. 

Old Age Security (OAS) 

The OAS pension is a monthly payment available to seniors who meet the following requirements: 

• You must be 65 years old or older 
• You must have completed your tax return 
• If you are living in Canada, you must: 
  • Be a Canadian citizen or a legal resident at the time we approve your OAS pension application 
  • Have resided in Canada for at least 10 years since the age of 18 
• If you are living outside Canada, you must: 
  • Have been a Canadian citizen or a legal resident of Canada on the day before you left Canada 
  • Have resided in Canada for at least 20 years since the age of 18 

The amount of OAS you could receive depends on your age, income, and the number of years you have lived in Canada. Old Age Security payment amounts are also reviewed each year in January, April, July and October to ensure they reflect cost of living increases, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI); this is why you may see a change to your OAS with these payments. 

For more information about OAS, you may visit a Service Canada centre, call Service Canada directly at 1-800-277-9914, or consult the Service Canada website. 

Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) 

The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) provides a monthly, non-taxable payment to OAS pension recipients living in Canada who have a low income. 

You are eligible for the GIS if you meet the following criteria: 

• You are 65 years old or older 
• You receive the Old Age Security (OAS) pension 
• You live in Canada 
• You are not under a sponsorship agreement 
• Your annual income (or for a couple, your combined annual income) is less than the maximum threshold established for the year 

For more information about the GIS, you may visit a Service Canada centre, call Service Canada directly at 1-800-277-9914, or consult the Service Canada website. 

Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Retirement Pension 

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) retirement pension is a monthly, taxable benefit that replaces part of your income when you retire. If you qualify, you’ll receive the CPP retirement pension for the rest of your life. 

You are eligible for a Canada Pension Plan retirement pension if you meet the following criteria: 

• You must be at least 60 years old 
• You must have made at least one valid contribution to the CPP 

The amount of CPP retirement pension you could receive depends on your age, CPP contributions, and average earnings throughout your working life. 

For more information about the CPP retirement pension, you may visit a Service Canada centre, call Service Canada directly at 1-800-277-9914, or consult the Service Canada website. 

Service Canada Centre 

In the riding of Burlington, the only Service Canada Centre is located at E108-676 Appleby Line, Burlington L7L 5Y1. There office is open Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:00pm. For updated information and office hours, please refer here. 

You may also contact a Service Canada officer at 1-800-277-9914.