Updated on February 22, 2024
Discover the OAS Survivor Benefits: Who Qualifies and How Long Benefits Last.
The OAS Survivor Benefits offer financial support to widowed spouses, administered by the Canadian Government to assist low-income widows and widowers. These benefits are extended to beneficiaries who aren’t eligible for the OAS program. For further essential details on eligibility, application procedures, and more, delve deeper into this article.
OAS Survivor Benefits
The Old Age Security (OAS) program caters to Canadian residents, requiring them to provide valid documentation for enrollment. This initiative extends certain benefits to retired and elderly individuals by the Federal Government. The OAS Survivor component specifically serves individuals whose partners have passed away, particularly targeting low-income spouses.
The OAS Survivor program, funded by the Canada Revenue Agency, provides benefits to spouses with below-average incomes across Canada. This initiative ensures that widowed spouses receive a certain amount of benefits, regardless of their employment status. These benefits are derived from the partner’s death benefits and are separate from the OAS pension.
Who Gets Survivor Benefits?
Survivor benefits are provided based on the marital or spousal relationship, ensuring that eligible individuals receive support after the death of their partner. This assistance is designed for spouses who have lost their partners and lack other sources of income for sustenance. The survivor benefits are part of the public pension plan, and individuals must furnish specific documents as evidence of their relationship to qualify for these benefits.
Survivor benefits are granted after one year of marriage up until the time of the partner’s death. Individuals whose partners pass away within the first year of their relationship are not eligible for survivor benefits. Proof of marriage is required to validate the declarations of widowed spouses.
How Long Will I Receive Benefits?
Survivor benefits continue to be provided until the end as mandated by law, supporting spouses with low incomes. These benefits are extended to spouses whose partners have passed away, provided they have not remarried or entered into another common-law relationship.
Benefits under the program will cease once beneficiaries reach the age of 65. However, individuals will then transition to receiving benefits under the Old Age Security (OAS) program, which begins at the age of 65 years.
How to Apply for the OAS Survivor Benefits?
Assuming you’ve absorbed the crucial details outlined in the previous sections, it’s important to note that only legal residents and elderly citizens are eligible to apply for the program. To apply for OAS Survivor Benefits, individuals should follow these steps:
Step 1: Access the official portal of My Services Canada through your web browser.
Step 2: Proceed by entering the necessary criteria as prompted.
Step 3: Upon submission, you’ll be directed to a new webpage where you’ll need to complete the application form.
Step 4: Once the form is filled out, click on the “continue” button to proceed.
Step 5: Ensure to upload the required documents for verification purposes.
Step 6: After completing all steps and submitting the necessary documents, click on the “SUBMIT” button to finalize your application process.
By following the aforementioned steps, individuals can apply for OAS Survivor Benefits. It’s crucial to upload the necessary legal documents in an appropriate format. After submitting the application, all applicants must provide their Social Insurance Number (SIN). Approval typically takes between one to three months, and applicants will be notified accordingly.
The Old Age Security program, initiated by the Canadian Government, is a vital support system for citizens to manage their livelihoods independently. Relying solely on parents, children, or relatives isn’t always feasible. Therefore, the monthly financial assistance provided by this program enables individuals to maintain a comfortable lifestyle within their own homes. These funds can be utilized for essentials like groceries, bills, rent, and even contribute to savings, ensuring greater financial stability.