🍁 BenefitCanada

Turning 65

Life eventChecked October 2, 2026

At 65 you become eligible for Old Age Security and possibly the Guaranteed Income Supplement, and several provincial seniors programs build on these. Some are automatic, but many people still need to apply.

Your checklist

  1. Watch for an automatic OAS enrolment letter; apply if you don't receive one

    Not everyone is enrolled automatically.

    OAS

  2. Apply for GIS if your income is low

    GIS is an extra non-taxable monthly payment for low-income OAS recipients.

    GIS

  3. Decide when to start your CPP retirement pension

    Starting later increases monthly payments; starting earlier reduces them.

    CPP retirement

  4. Check provincial seniors top-ups

    Several provinces add payments for seniors who get OAS/GIS.

    GAINS ASB

  5. Look at rent help for seniors

    Some provinces subsidize rent for older renters.

    SAFER Allocation-logement Rent Assist

  6. Check dental coverage

    The Canadian Dental Care Plan covers eligible residents without dental insurance.

    CDCP

  7. Keep filing taxes every year

    GIS and most provincial credits rely on your annual return.

    GIS OTB CGEB

Timing

Apply for OAS up to 11 months before you want it to start if you did not get an automatic letter. File taxes by April 30 each year to avoid GIS and provincial interruptions.

Province-specific notes

  • Quebec: Québec Pension Plan (Retraite Québec) applies instead of CPP for Québec workers.
  • Ontario: GAINS is automatic for OAS/GIS recipients who file taxes; OTB energy and property tax credit is higher for 65+.
  • British Columbia: SAFER rent help is available from age 60.

Official sources

Last checked against these pages on October 2, 2026.

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BenefitCanada is independent and not affiliated with any government. This guide summarizes official sources in plain language; rules and amounts change, so always confirm on the official page before applying.