Overview

The Allowance is a non-taxable payment you can get if:

• you are age 60 to 64
• you live in Canada
• your spouse or common-law partner is eligible to receive the Guaranteed Income supplement (GIS)
• your combined annual income is less than the maximum annual income threshold for the Allowance.

Find out if you are eligible.

Why you may have to apply

If you were in receipt of the Allowance and your spouse or common-law partner has passed away, you will be automatically converted to the Allowance for the Survivor.

When to apply

You should apply for the Allowance 6 to 11 months before you turn 60.

When payments start

The Allowance payments will begin during one of the following months, whichever is latest:

• the month after you meet the eligibility requirements
• the month after you turn 60
• the month your spouse or common-law partner becomes entitled to the GIS, or
• up to 11 months before to the date we received your application (if you applied after you turn 60)

Allowance pension amount

The combined income of you and your spouse or common-law partner will determine how much you could receive.

Where you can get help

If you have general questions about Allowance or specific questions about your application, contact us.