It’s important to note that the details provided here are based on information available as of April 2025. Always consult official government sources or financial advisors for the most current information.​
Navigating the array of benefits available to seniors in Ontario can be complex, but understanding these programs is crucial for maximizing financial support and enhancing quality of life.
After retirement, older adults may need additional financial support to support their lifestyles. The good news is that the government of Ontario acknowledges this and has created several benefit plans to ease the financial pressure on older adults.
For an older adult, the average annual cost of living at home in Ontario can be upwards of $48,000, excluding some variable costs. Meanwhile, living in a Seasons Retirement community can help reduce these costs and unknown variables so that your older loved ones spend less in retirement.
Below are the different senior benefits Ontario can offer to your older one. We’ll discuss the eligibility for each program and the financial help they offer.
The Canada Pension Plan retirement pension is a taxable Canadian government senior benefit paid monthly to replace the income of an older adult after retirement. It is a payment that goes on for the rest of the recipient’s life.
That said, the monthly amount received by all eligible CPP candidates varies. The sum is determined by several factors, including the recipient’s average earnings during their working years, their contribution to the CPP – based on their income, time away from work to care for their children, and the age chosen to begin receiving pension payments, etc.
Although the typical age to start receiving the CPP is 65, your parents and grandparents can begin obtaining the benefit as early as 60 years or even into their 70s. It is worth noting that the monthly payment increases with age, albeit the maximum monthly payment is reached at age 70.
There are a few eligibility criteria for the CPP payment, and they include:
CPP payments are not automatic – applicants must apply online at least two weeks before the proposed start date. However, applicants should do so at least three months before the proposed date
if they wish to submit physically or via mail.
Other CPP benefits for older adults in Ontario include post-retirement benefits, disability pension, post-retirement disability benefits, survivor’s pension, and children’s benefits.
These programs are some of the lucrative senior benefits Ontario has to offer.
The Old Age Security (OAS) is a pension program that offers a monthly payment to adults aged 65 or older. This payment is taxable, and the amount your older one receives is mainly determined by their income and time spent in Canada or some other specific countries since turning 18 years.
Ideally, your loved one doesn’t need to apply for the OAS benefit, as Service Canada – the managing body – automatically enrolls eligible candidates. But in rare cases where Service Canada doesn’t have sufficient information to register your parents and grandparents, they’ll have to apply themselves.
Meanwhile, there is the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), another monthly benefit for older adults at least 65 years old. To qualify for the GIS, your loved one must be a resident of Canada, a recipient of the Old Age Security pension, and a low-income earner – below the program’s maximum annual income threshold based on your older folk’s marital status.
Interestingly, the GIS benefit is not taxable. Even though the program’s managing body automatically registers eligible candidates in most instances, your parents and grandparents should apply for the benefit themselves.
In Ontario, GIS beneficiaries can also receive the Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS) benefit, another non-taxable payment for older folks. As long as your loved one gets the OAS pension and the GIS benefit, they don’t need to apply to receive GAINS.
It is essential to point out that the monthly amount paid out to eligible candidates of GAINS is reviewed every quarter to accommodate inflation changes in the province.
Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) is a program that covers a good proportion of the cost of approved drug prescriptions for individuals aged 65 years or above. It is one of Ontario’s best senior health benefits for older adults.
Although the ODB is primarily available to Ontario residents above 65 years, it is also open to younger people living in homes or communities for special care services.
For your older ones to have their drug costs covered, their prescription must be filled by a pharmacy in Ontario. Fortunately, the Ontario Drug Benefit scheme covers most of the cost of about 5,0000 prescription medications. These drugs include allergy shots, anti-diabetic products, nutrition products, and over-the-counter medications.
The Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program is another government-funded scheme that provides health coverage for seniors in Ontario. It offers free routine dental services to low-income older adults at least 65 years old.
The Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program covers several dental services, including dental examinations, X-rays, fixing of broken teeth and cavities, plaque removal, and polishing.
After enrollment, the program can continue to run for up to a year, ending on July 31st, regardless of the time one registers.
The following are requirements that your loved one must meet to qualify for this program.
After confirming their eligibility, your older one can apply for the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program online or via mail.
Other medical benefits for seniors in Ontario include:
The Ontario Assistive Devices Program (ADP) is designed to provide financial assistance to seniors who require specialized equipment to enhance their quality of life. This program helps cover the cost of medical equipment such as hearing aids, mobility aids (wheelchairs, walkers), respiratory devices, and other essential items not fully covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
Those who qualify for the ADP can receive coverage for a significant portion of the cost of these devices, which can be expensive. The program typically requires an application submitted by a healthcare provider who will confirm the necessity of the device. Each device may have specific eligibility criteria, so seniors must consult their healthcare provider and review the program guidelines to understand the exact coverage. ADP is an invaluable resource for older adults who need assistive technology to remain independent.
Veterans living in Ontario may be eligible for various benefits through Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC). The VAC offers financial support, healthcare benefits, and services for seniors who have served in the Canadian Armed Forces. These benefits include a pension for war-related disabilities, healthcare services (including dental and vision care), and access to long-term care facilities specifically for veterans.
Veterans may also qualify for additional allowances, such as the War Veterans Allowance or Veterans Independence Program (VIP), which helps with home care, medical transportation, and other services. Seniors who served in the military or peacekeeping missions are encouraged to contact VAC to explore the full range of benefits available to them.
Seniors in Ontario are eligible for continued coverage under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), which provides comprehensive health insurance that covers most medically necessary services, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and certain surgeries. However, seniors are responsible for some additional costs, such as dental and vision care, which may require separate insurance or assistance programs.
To help seniors with these additional healthcare costs, Ontario offers programs like the Trillium Drug Program, which covers prescription medication costs for those who spend a significant portion of their income on drugs (covered under the Ontario Drug Benefit program), and the Assistive Devices Program for seniors requiring specialized equipment. Older adults are advised to review all their healthcare options to maximize coverage and reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
Above are schemes set up by the government to support and augment the finances of older persons in Ontario. The information in this article should enable you or your loved ones to pick the most suitable senior benefits Ontario offers.
Seasons Retirement always aims to offer affordable residence services for all retired Canadians. Suppose your parents and grandparents are looking for an ideal place to settle down to enjoy their retired lifestyles. In that case, they check out the retirement homes provided by Seasons Retirement in different cities in Ontario.
*Please note that Seasons Retirement does not have any afflation with this program. Please call 1-888-910-1999 or visit the government of Ontario website for enquiries or more details.
