OAS Allowance and Allowance for the Survivor — Monthly Income for Canadians Aged 60–64
What you will learn: Two federal benefits almost no one talks about — one for low-income Canadians whose spouse receives GIS, and one for low-income Canadians who have been widowed. Both start before age 65 and can make a real difference to household income.
The Allowance — for Canadians aged 60 to 64 whose spouse or common-law partner receives the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).
The Allowance for the Survivor — for Canadians aged 60 to 64 who have been widowed and whose household income is low.
Both are paid monthly by Service Canada. Both require an annual tax return to maintain. Neither is well-known — many eligible Canadians have never applied.
Sandra and Raymond's story. Raymond, 68, from Moncton, New Brunswick, receives OAS and the Guaranteed Income Supplement. His wife Sandra is 62. Because Raymond's income is low, Sandra has not been working since a health issue two years ago. Their combined monthly income was $1,700.
At a library workshop, a volunteer mentioned the Allowance. Sandra checked with Service Canada: she qualified. Her Allowance began the following month — approximately $1,295 added to the household each month. Their combined income went from $1,700 to nearly $3,000.
Neither Raymond nor Sandra had heard of the Allowance. Their financial adviser had never mentioned it. Sandra had three years of eligibility remaining before she turned 65.
What they tell people now: "If your husband or wife is on GIS and you are between 60 and 65, ask Service Canada about the Allowance. Do not assume someone would have told you."
Part 1: The Allowance (for spouses of GIS recipients)
The Allowance is a monthly payment for Canadians aged 60 to 64 who are legally married to or in a common-law partnership with someone who receives OAS and GIS.
Who qualifies for the Allowance?
- You are between 60 and 64 years old (stops when you turn 65)
- You are a Canadian citizen or legal resident who has lived in Canada for at least 10 years since age 18
- Your spouse or common-law partner receives both OAS and GIS
- Your combined income is below the annual threshold (approximately $40,000 for the 2025 benefit year — verify at canada.ca)
- You are not receiving OAS yourself (you are under 65)
How much is the Allowance?
The Allowance amount depends on your combined family income. It is indexed to inflation quarterly. For 2025:
| Family income situation | Approximate monthly Allowance |
|---|---|
| Very low combined income (under ~$25,000) | Up to ~$1,295/month |
| Moderate combined income | Reduced amount |
| Combined income above ~$40,000 | $0 — not eligible |
Exact amounts change quarterly with inflation. Verify current rates at canada.ca/allowance or call 1-800-277-9914.
Part 2: The Allowance for the Survivor (for widowed Canadians 60–64)
The Allowance for the Survivor is a monthly payment for Canadians aged 60 to 64 whose spouse or common-law partner has died, and whose own income is low.
Who qualifies for the Allowance for the Survivor?
- You are between 60 and 64 years old
- You are a Canadian citizen or legal resident who has lived in Canada for at least 10 years since age 18
- Your spouse or common-law partner has died
- You have not remarried or entered a new common-law relationship
- Your annual income is below the threshold (approximately $28,000 for 2025 — verify at canada.ca)
How much is the Allowance for the Survivor?
The Allowance for the Survivor is generally higher than the regular Allowance because a single person faces greater financial hardship than a couple. Approximate 2025 amounts:
| Annual income | Approximate monthly benefit |
|---|---|
| Very low income (under ~$15,000) | Up to ~$1,620/month |
| Moderate income | Reduced amount |
| Above ~$28,000 | $0 — not eligible |
Verify current rates at canada.ca/allowance-survivor or call 1-800-277-9914.
If your spouse contributed to CPP during their working years, you may also be eligible for the CPP Survivor's Pension — an ongoing monthly payment on top of the Allowance for the Survivor. Apply for both at the same time. See our CPP Survivor's Pension guide.
How to Apply for Either Benefit
Applying for the Allowance or Allowance for the Survivor:
What Happens at Age 65?
Both the Allowance and the Allowance for the Survivor stop when you turn 65. At that point:
- You become eligible for OAS (Old Age Security) in your own right
- You may qualify for GIS (Guaranteed Income Supplement) if your income is low
- Service Canada will contact you before your 65th birthday to transition you to OAS
- File your prior year tax return to ensure GIS eligibility is calculated correctly from day one
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I receive the Allowance if my spouse is on OAS but not GIS?
No. The Allowance specifically requires that your spouse or common-law partner receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) — not just OAS. If your spouse receives OAS but not GIS because their income is above the GIS threshold, you do not qualify for the Allowance.
However, check whether your spouse may qualify for GIS. Many lower-income seniors receive OAS but have never applied for GIS because no one told them about it. See our GIS guide.
What happens to the Allowance when I turn 65?
The Allowance stops at 65. You then become eligible for OAS and possibly GIS in your own right. Service Canada will contact you before your 65th birthday to transition you. Filing your tax return for the prior year is important to ensure GIS eligibility is assessed correctly from the start.
Does the Allowance for the Survivor require that my spouse was actually receiving GIS?
Not necessarily. Your deceased spouse must have been eligible for OAS and GIS based on their age and residency — not necessarily actively receiving those benefits at the time of death. Service Canada will assess this when you apply. When in doubt, apply and let Service Canada make the determination.
Is the Allowance taxable?
Yes. Both the Allowance and the Allowance for the Survivor are taxable income. You will receive a T4A(OAS) slip each year. At the income levels where these benefits apply, the tax impact is usually small. Filing your tax return annually is required to maintain eligibility.
If you are between 60 and 65 and your spouse receives GIS, or if you have been widowed with a low income, call Service Canada today: 1-800-277-9914. These benefits have been available for decades. The only reason most people miss them is that no one told them to ask.
Service Canada can process a retroactive payment of up to 11 months. The earlier you call, the sooner payments begin.
Sources & References
Note: Allowance amounts and income thresholds are adjusted quarterly for inflation. Verify current figures at canada.ca or by calling 1-800-277-9914.