The Old Age Security pension is a monthly payment available to most Canadians aged 65 or older. You must apply to receive benefits. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you may be entitled to receive the Old Age Security pension even if you are still working or have never worked.

Two things will determine if you can receive the Old Age Security pension: your age and your years of residence in Canada.

If you fall into either of the categories below, you may be eligible to receive the Old Age Security pension.

Category 1 - People living in Canada

You are 65 or older

You live in Canada and are a Canadian citizen or a legal resident at the time your pension is approved

You lived in Canada for at least 10 years after reaching age 18.

Category 2 - People living outside Canada

 You are 65 or older

 You left the country and you were a Canadian citizen or a legal resident of Canada when you left

 You lived in Canada for at least 20 years after reaching age 18

If you do not fall into either of these two categories, you may still qualify for a pension since Canada has social security agreements with many countries. If you have lived in one of these countries or contributed to its social security system, you may qualify for a pension from that country, from Canada or from both countries. For more information, call one of the phones listed below or check International Benefits web page.

Note: If you are a low-income senior, you may be eligible for other benefits as early as age 60.

For more information call:
Please have your Social Insurance Number on hand when you call.
1 800 277-9914 - service in English
1 800 277-9915 - service in French
1 800 255-4786 - If you are hearing or speech-impaired and use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD)

Additional Information available at: Old Age Security Program