HAMILTON, ON, Sept. 10, 2018 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is working hard to support Canadian seniors so they can continue to be integral members of society.That is why we have put in place measures to make sure that seniors continue to have access to improved income security.
Today, Minister Filomena Tassi reafirmed the Government's commitment to seniors, highlighting the increase in Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) benefits for seniors. The July 2016 increase in the GIS for the lowest-income single seniors means improved financial security for close to 900,000 seniors. This bold step restored the age of eligibility for OAS and GIS benefits from 67 to 65, and ensured future vulnerable seniors do not face higher risks of living in poverty.
In Ontario, this change means that close to 290,000 have benefitted from the July 2016 increase to the GIS.
Initiatives like these support the Government's overall commitment to improve the economic well-being of all Canadians and to strengthen the middle class and those working hard to join it.
Quote
"Our government knows some seniors have difficulty making ends meet. That is why we have adopted measures aimed at improving income security by restoring the age of eligibility for Old Age Security and GIS benefits to 65, improving the quality of life for seniors across Canada."
– The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Seniors
Quick Facts
- The objective of the OAS program is to ensure a minimum income for seniors and reduce poverty among Canada's seniors. The OAS benefits include the basic pension, which is paid to all individuals aged 65 and older who meet the residence requirements, the GIS for low-income seniors, and the Allowances for low-income individuals aged 60 to 64 who are the spouses/partners of GIS recipients, or who are widow/widowers.
- Half of new pensioners are now automatically enrolled in the OAS pension and the GIS, as part of the government commitment to service improvement for pension benefits.
- Service Canada has an OAS Program Toolkit, making it easier for advocates and support groups to help seniors become aware of and obtain their OAS pension and other related benefits.
Associated Links
SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada
For media enquiries, please contact: Lars Wessman, Communications Advisor, Office of the Minister of Seniors, 873-396-0742, [email protected]; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [email protected]
Share this article