Amounts can change quarterly or annually. Eligibility depends on age, residency, income, family status, health/disability, tax filing, and sometimes municipality. Confirm before applying.
Fast checklist: major 2026 amounts
| Benefit | Who it may help | 2026 amount/value |
|---|---|---|
| OAS | Age 65+ | Up to $751.97/month age 65–74; $827.17 age 75+. |
| GIS | Low-income OAS recipients | Up to $1,123.17/month single; up to $676.09 where spouse receives full OAS. |
| CPP retirement | CPP contributors age 60–70 | Maximum at 65: $1,507.65/month; average new age-65 pension $877.01. |
| CPP survivor | Surviving spouse/common-law partner | 65+ maximum $904.59; under 65 maximum $803.54. Combined maximums apply. |
| CPP death benefit | Estate or eligible applicant | Basic $2,500; possible extra $2,500 in limited cases. |
| Ontario GAINS | Low-income seniors receiving OAS/GIS | July 2026–June 2027: up to $92/month single or $184 couple. |
| Ontario Drug Benefit | Most Ontario residents 65+ | $100 deductible, then up to $6.11 per prescription; lower-income program reduces this. |
Federal retirement and survivor income
- OAS: taxable and residency-based; can be deferred to 70. Recovery tax may apply.
- GIS: tax-free and based on income; file taxes annually.
- Allowance: up to $1,428.06/month for an eligible age-60–64 spouse/common-law partner of a GIS recipient, subject to income.
- Allowance for the Survivor: up to $1,702.34/month for an eligible low-income widowed person age 60–64.
- CPP PRB: a working CPP recipient under 70 who contributes can add a new benefit; 2026 maximum benchmark at 65 is $54.69/month for one contribution year.
- CPP children's benefit: $307.81/month for an eligible child under 18 or full-time student; $153.91 for a part-time student.
Ontario credits, property, and energy
| Program | Planning amount |
|---|---|
| Senior Homeowners' Property Tax Grant | Up to $500; claim with ON-BEN. |
| Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit | 2026 senior maximum $1,488; part of Ontario Trillium Benefit. |
| Seniors' Public Transit Tax Credit | 15% of up to $3,000 in fares; maximum $450. |
| Seniors Care at Home Tax Credit | 25% of up to $6,000 eligible expenses; maximum $1,500, income-tested. |
| OESP electricity credit | $35–$75/month standard; $52–$113 enhanced. |
| LEAP emergency grant | Up to $650 electricity, $780 if electrically heated, or $650 natural gas; cannot exceed arrears. |
Health, dental, drugs, and care
- ODB Seniors Co-Payment Program: current income limits $25,000 single/$41,500 couple; $0 deductible and up to $2 co-pay.
- Ontario Seniors Dental Care: age 65+, income-tested, with current $25,000 single/$41,500 couple limits and coverage through public clinics.
- Canadian Dental Care Plan: no private dental access and adjusted family net income under $90,000; plan pays 100%, 60%, or 40% of established fees by income band. Other charges may remain.
- Assistive Devices Program: often up to 75% of approved price or a fixed grant.
- Ontario Health atHome: publicly funded nursing, support, therapy, and placement services when assessed eligible.
- OHIP eye exams and ambulance: age/medical rules apply; medically necessary ambulance co-pay is often $45.
Housing, transportation, and community supports
Check rent-geared-to-income housing, municipal property-tax deferral/cancellation, accessible parking, local senior transit fares, meals, transportation, adult day programs, and respite. Values and waitlists vary. Start with 211 Ontario, Ontario Health atHome, and your municipal or regional government.
Application checklist
- File annual returns for both spouses/partners, even at low income.
- Use My Service Canada Account for CPP, OAS, GIS, Allowance, and survivor benefits.
- Use CRA My Account and ON-BEN for Ontario Trillium Benefit, OEPTC, and the property tax grant.
- After a spouse dies, review CPP survivor/death benefits, Allowance for the Survivor, OAS/GIS recalculation, pensions, insurance, and estate notices.
- Compare ODB, the Seniors Co-Payment Program, Ontario Seniors Dental Care, and CDCP.
- For utilities, apply for OESP before falling behind; LEAP is emergency help.
Official starting points
Planning checklist only—not legal, tax, medical, or financial advice. Dollar amounts are maximums unless noted and can change.