A guide to programs and services for seniors.
Find information on resources available for seniors in Ontario, including tax credits, health, caregiving, housing, transportation and staying safe.

Tax credits and benefits

Get tips about Ontario’s tax credit and benefit programs for seniors.

Home and transportation

Income

Medical

Municipal initiatives

Contact your local municipality for information about initiatives such as:

  • Ontario Renovates – provides forgivable loans to eligible low-income homeowners and landlords to make necessary repairs to home or units to increase accessibility and create affordable rental housing or single-family homes
  • Property Tax Relief for Low-Income Seniors and Low-Income Persons with Disabilities – provides relief from property tax increases that result from assessment reform for low-income seniors and people with disabilities who own residential property

Government pensions

Seniors in Ontario can apply for pensions and programs from both the federal and provincial governments.

Find out about eligibility requirements, how much money you could receive, and how to apply for the:

  • Canada Pension Plan – provides pensions and benefits when contributors retire, become disabled, or pass away
  • Old Age Security pension – a monthly payment available to most people age 65 or older who meet legal status and residence requirements
  • Guaranteed Income Supplement – provides a monthly non-taxable benefit to Old Age Security recipients who have a low income and are living in Canada
  • Ontario Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS) – a provincial program that ensures a guaranteed minimum income for qualifying Ontario seniors. Monthly payments are on top of the federal Old Age Security pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement payments you may also receive

Pensions and benefits for veterans

Benevolent funds assist veterans, ex-service personnel and their dependants. The assistance is usually for basic needs such as food and housing.

Ontario’s Soldiers’ Aid Commission

The Ontario’s Soldiers’ Aid Commission provides assistance to Canadian veterans in need who served overseas and their dependants living in Ontario. The assistance is provided on a one-time basis to resolve a specific problem when all other resources have been exhausted. It does not support ongoing needs related to income deficiencies.

Funds may be granted to assist with buying:

  • health-related items, like hearing aids, glasses, prescription drugs or dental needs
  • home-related items, like rent, repairs, moving costs, furniture, repair/replacement of roof and furnace
  • specialized equipment, like assistive devices, wheelchairs and prosthetics
  • personal items, like clothing and specialized support services

Get information and apply for benevolent funds, including Ontario’s Soldiers’ Aid Commission, by contacting your local Royal Canadian Legion or Veterans Affairs Canada office.

Veterans Affairs Canada

Veterans Affairs Canada offers a range of services and benefits to eligible veterans and others. The benefits are available for conditions related to service in the Merchant Navy, Canadian Forces, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) or those serving in support of the Canadian Forces in wartime or in Special Duty/Operational Areas.

Get more information and find out how to apply for:

War Veterans Allowance

The War Veterans Allowance is available to eligible low-income veterans of the Second World War or Korean War. Surviving spouses, common law partners and orphans may qualify for this allowance if the deceased veteran had the required war service.

Get more information about the allowance, including eligibility requirements and how to apply.