Pensions and Income - Introduction

If you are 65 or older and meet certain residency requirements, you may be eligible for the Old Age Pension from the government of Canada. If you have no other source of income or very little other income, you may also be eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement to the Old Age Pension. You may also be eligible for a small pension from the government of Ontario known as GAINS.

If you are 60 or older and have paid into the Canada Pension Plan during your working years, you may be eligible for the Canada Pension (CPP). The CPP also pays disability benefits to persons who have paid into the plan who have a severe and prolonged mental or physical disability and are unable to work. CPP also provides benefits to survivors of persons who have paid into the plan.

Persons who have spent part of their life in another country may be eligible for a pension from that country, or eligible for a pension from Canada if there are agreements between Canada and the other country.

Persons under the age of 65 who are unable to find employment and have little or no income or savings may be eligible for Social Assistance (welfare) under the Ontario Works Program. Those persons over 65 who are not eligible for the Old Age Pension and have little or no other income or savings may also be eligible for Social Assistance.

The Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) provides income support to persons that have a disability that is expected to last a year or more, and that limits the ability to work or function in the community. ODSP is only available to those with little or no other income or savings.

Persons may be eligible for pensions from their employer, or the employer of their spouse or partner.

Please, see our FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions), ACE Publications or Links pages to find additional useful information on this topic.