In order to support their needs, seniors can have access to financial allowances to pay for their required health care expenses in senior living residences or at home. Several factors can influence the cost of rent in senior living residences, such as the type of care required depending on the senior’s level of autonomy. Here are the main programs that give you access to certain compensation.
Old Age Security pension (OAS)
For seniors aged 65 and over, the Old Age Security pension (OAS) provides a monthly benefit. You are eligible if:
You are 65 years of age or older (the month after your 64th birthday)
You are a Canadian citizen or a legal resident
You have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18 (20 years if living outside Canada)
Read our full article on the Old Age Security pension (OAS)
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
Offered to OAS recipients with low income, this supplement provides an additional amount under certain conditions:
You receive the OAS pension
Your income is less than $22,272 if you are single, widowed, or divorced
Your combined income with your spouse must not exceed:
$29,424 if your spouse receives full OAS
$53,376 if your spouse does not receive OAS
$41,184 if your spouse receives the Allowance
Guaranteed Income Supplement: Allowance
If you receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), you may be eligible for the Allowance, which is a non-taxable payment. If your spouse or common-law partner is aged 60 to 64, they may be eligible for the Allowance if they meet the following conditions:
They are a Canadian citizen or legal resident
They live in Canada or have lived there for at least 10 years since turning 18
They are eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
Their combined annual income is below the maximum income threshold for the Allowance
Caregiver Tax Credits
Both provincial and federal governments offer various measures to support caregivers. Among these, the most commonly used by taxpayers are the two caregiver tax credits. At the provincial level, this is called Tax Credit for Caregivers, and at the federal level, it is the Canada Caregiver Credit.
Read our full article on caregiver tax credits
Allowance for the Survivor
The Allowance for the Survivor is a monthly payment reviewed in January, April, July, and October. The monthly amount will not decrease if the cost of living drops. If you are aged 60 to 64 and your spouse has passed away, you may be eligible for the Allowance for the Survivor. The amount of this benefit depends on your previous year’s annual income, which must be below the established threshold. How much could you receive? Calculate now.
Tax Credit for Home-Support
The tax credit for home-support is for seniors aged 70 and over and covers expenses related to home care services. Eligibility requirements include:
Being 70 years of age or older
Residing in Quebec on December 31 of the year
If you turned 70 during the year, only expenses paid for services rendered after reaching age 70 qualify for this tax credit
Senior Assistance Tax Credit
If you or your spouse were 70 years or older on December 31, 2024, you may be eligible for the Senior Assistance tax credit. The maximum amount you may be entitled to is:
$4,000 if you have an eligible spouse
$2,000 if you do not have a spouse or only one of you is 70 or older
The credit is reduced by 5.31% of the portion of family income exceeding $44,015 (for couples) or $27,065 (for a single person).
Shelter Allowance Program
The Shelter Allowance Program provides financial assistance to low-income individuals and families who spend a large portion of their budget on housing. Eligibility depends on your family situation and income. This benefit can reach up to $170 per month. Different conditions apply if you are:
Single and 50 years or older
A couple without dependent children where at least one person is 50 years or older
A couple with a dependent child
A single-parent family with one or two dependent children
A couple with two or more dependent children
A single-parent family with three or more dependent children
You may qualify if you are a tenant, roomer, or homeowner and meet the following criteria:
Be 50 years of age or older (or have a spouse who is)
Reside in Quebec
Have an income below the threshold set according to your situation
Involuntary Separation
Involuntary separation is a government mechanism that allows a couple of seniors to separate involuntary. The mechanism can be reversed if the couple resumes living together. For example, if two seniors can no longer live together due to health reasons, they can apply for involuntary separation. This benefit can reach up to $757.58 per month, calculated based on each partner’s individual income.
To be eligible for involuntary separation, the couple must meet the following criteria:
Be married or common-law partners
Be 65 years of age or older (at least one partner in the couple)
Live separately (no longer under the same roof)
Receive the Old Age Security pension (OAS)
To declare an involuntary separation, the process must be done both federally and provincially. At the federal level, the process is handled through Service Canada by mail, in person, by phone, or online. Two forms must be completed (ISP3040 and ISP3025). Payments can be retroactive up to 11 months. Provincially, the process is handled by Revenu Québec. It is important to report involuntary separation as soon as it occurs to benefit from an adjustment to the solidarity tax credit.
Can’t Find Benefits You’re Eligible For?
Check the Government of Canada’s Benefits Finder for a personalized list of benefits that may apply to your situation.
For more information about Bonjour Résidences or to get help finding the right senior living residence for you, contact our senior housing specialists. We will be happy to assist you. Call us at 1 844 918-1020 or submit an online request.
