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Allowance (ages 60 to 64)

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The Allowance and the Allowance for the Survivor are tax-free monthly payments for low-income people aged 60 to 64. The Allowance is for people whose spouse or partner gets OAS and the GIS; the Allowance for the Survivor is for people whose spouse or partner has died. From October to December 2026, they pay up to $1,448.06 and $1,726.18 a month. You must apply.

Check if you qualify

Key facts

Maximum monthly Allowance
$1,448.06 (October to December 2026)
Allowance income limit (couple's combined income)
Under $42,768 (2025 income)
Maximum monthly Allowance for the Survivor
$1,726.18 (October to December 2026)
Allowance for the Survivor income limit
Under $31,152 (2025 income)
Age
60 to 64
Paper forms
ISP3008 and ISP3026

What are the Allowance and the Allowance for the Survivor?

These are two federal benefits that help people with low income bridge the years between 60 and 65, before they can get Old Age Security (OAS). They are part of the OAS program and are run by Service Canada.

The Allowance is for someone aged 60 to 64 whose spouse or common-law partner already gets OAS and qualifies for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). The Allowance for the Survivor is for someone aged 60 to 64 whose spouse or common-law partner has died.

Both are paid monthly and are tax-free. Neither depends on your work history.

Who can get the Allowance?

You may qualify for the Allowance if all of these are true:

If you have lived in Canada fewer than 10 years but worked in a country that has a social security agreement with Canada, you may still qualify. Service Canada decides.

Who can get the Allowance for the Survivor?

You may qualify for the Allowance for the Survivor if all of these are true:

If you were already getting the Allowance when your spouse or partner died, you are switched to the Allowance for the Survivor automatically. You still need to tell Service Canada about the death.

How much is the Allowance in 2026?

From October to December 2026, the Allowance pays up to $1,448.06 a month when your spouse or partner gets the GIS and the full OAS pension. The Allowance for the Survivor pays up to $1,726.18 a month.

These are maximums. The more income you have, the less you get, and the payment stops at the income limits shown above. When working out your income, Service Canada does not count OAS, the first $5,000 of employment or self-employment income, or half of such income between $5,000 and $15,000.

Amounts are reviewed every January, April, July and October and rise with the cost of living.

How to apply for the Allowance or the Allowance for the Survivor

These benefits do not start on their own. Apply 6 to 11 months before you turn 60 so payments can start on time. If your spouse or partner dies after you turn 60, apply as soon as you can.

  1. Gather your Social Insurance Number, the countries you have lived in since age 18, your banking details for direct deposit, and dates of any changes to your work or pension income.
  2. Gather your spouse or partner's information: Social Insurance Number, date of birth and any foreign income. For the Allowance for the Survivor, you also need their date of death.
  3. To apply online, sign in to My Service Canada Account, go to the Old Age Security section and choose Apply for Old Age Security and manage my benefits. You can apply online only if you live in Canada and no one manages your account for you.
  4. To apply on paper, fill out form ISP3008, Application for the Allowance or Allowance for the Survivor, and form ISP3026, Statement of Income. Mail them to Service Canada.
  5. Watch for your decision letter. It shows your monthly amount and first payment date.

Keeping your payments

Your benefit is reviewed every year using your tax return. You must file your taxes by April 30 every year, even though the payment itself is not taxed. Each July, Service Canada sends a letter telling you whether your benefit continues.

Tell Service Canada if you marry or start a common-law relationship, separate, or your income changes. Tell them before you leave Canada for more than 6 months, because payments stop after 6 months away. Payments also stop during a federal prison sentence of 2 years or more.

For couples on the Allowance, if you must live apart for reasons beyond your control, such as one of you moving into long-term care, you may be able to get a higher amount. Call Service Canada to ask.

What happens to the Allowance at 65?

Both benefits are only for ages 60 to 64 and end when you turn 65. At 65 you may qualify for the OAS pension and the GIS instead.

Service Canada usually sends an OAS enrolment letter around your 64th birthday. If one month has passed since your 64th birthday and you have no letter, contact Service Canada so there is no gap in your payments.

Money people miss

Many people who qualify never apply, because they have not heard of these benefits. If your spouse gets GIS and you are 60 to 64, check the Allowance. If you were widowed and are 60 to 64 with low income, check the Allowance for the Survivor.

If your spouse or partner delays their OAS pension, you cannot get the Allowance. For low-income couples, delaying OAS can cost more than it gains.

Several provinces and territories add money for people on these benefits. British Columbia's Senior's Supplement is automatic for people 60 to 65 on the federal Allowance. Manitoba's 55 PLUS Senior Component needs no application if you get the Allowance or the Allowance for the Survivor. The Northwest Territories' Senior Citizen Supplementary Benefit is automatic for people on the Allowance. Nunavut's Senior Citizen Supplementary Benefit is for residents 60 and older on the Allowance, and you must file your taxes each year to keep it. In other provinces, check your provincial government or call 211.

What if I am refused?

If you disagree with a decision, ask for a reconsideration within 90 days of getting your decision letter. You can do this in My Service Canada Account, with form ISP-3134, or with a signed letter. If you still disagree with the new decision, you can appeal to the Social Security Tribunal.

Who to contact

Common questions

How much is the Allowance for the Survivor in 2026?

Up to $1,726.18 a month from October to December 2026. Your income must be under $31,152 a year, based on 2025 income.

Can I get a widow's pension at 60 in Canada?

If you are 60 to 64, widowed, have low income and have not remarried or entered a new common-law relationship, you may qualify for the Allowance for the Survivor. You may also qualify for a CPP or QPP survivor's pension.

What is the spousal allowance in Canada?

It is now called the Allowance. It is a monthly payment for people 60 to 64 whose spouse or partner gets OAS and qualifies for GIS, and whose combined income is low.

When should I apply for the Allowance?

6 to 11 months before you turn 60. If your situation changes after 60, apply as soon as you can.

Is the Allowance taxable?

No. It is tax-free, but you must still file a tax return every year by April 30 to keep getting it.

What happens to the Allowance when I turn 65?

It ends. At 65 you may qualify for OAS and GIS. Look for the OAS enrolment letter around your 64th birthday.

Does the Allowance for the Survivor stop if I remarry?

Yes. You must tell Service Canada if you marry or enter a common-law relationship.

Sources

  1. Old Age Security: Payment amounts (Government of Canada)
  2. Maximum Benefit Amounts and Related Figures: CPP (2026) and OAS (October to December 2026) (Government of Canada)
  3. Allowance: Overview (Government of Canada)
  4. Allowance: Eligibility (Government of Canada)
  5. Allowance: Apply (Government of Canada)
  6. Allowance: Receiving your benefit (Government of Canada)
  7. Allowance for the Survivor: Overview (Government of Canada)
  8. Allowance for the Survivor: Eligibility (Government of Canada)
  9. Allowance for the Survivor: Apply (Government of Canada)
  10. Allowance for the Survivor: Receiving your benefit (Government of Canada)
  11. Old Age Security: Apply (Government of Canada)
  12. Old Age Security: When to start your pension (Government of Canada)
  13. Old Age Security: Request a reconsideration (Government of Canada)
  14. Senior's Supplement (Government of British Columbia)
  15. 55 PLUS Program (Government of Manitoba)
  16. NWT Senior Citizen Supplementary Benefit (Government of the Northwest Territories)
  17. Senior Citizen Supplementary Benefit (SCSB) (Government of Nunavut)

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