Government Assistance Programs for Ottawa Seniors
Discover local benefits, subsidies, and income programs available to seniors.
Federal & Provincial Programs
Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
The Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) provides financial assistance and disability‑related benefits to eligible individuals with long‑term disabilities who need income support and health‑related help. It’s delivered by the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.
Applicability to Seniors:
Contact Details
🌐 https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-disability-support-program
Social Assistance Support Line:
📞 Toll‑free: 1‑888‑999‑1142
📞 TTY: 1‑800‑387‑5559
Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
A federal‑provincial social insurance program that provides retirement income and other benefits to contributors and their families, based on contributions made through work in Canada. It is funded by employees, employers, and self‑employed contributions.
Contact Information
Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Program Pages:
🌐 https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp.html
Service Canada CPP Inquiries:
📞 Toll‑free (Canada & US): 1‑800‑277‑9914
📞 TTY (hearing‑impaired): 1‑800‑255‑4786
📞 From outside Canada/US (collect): 1‑613‑957‑1954
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
Essential Health and Social Supports (EHSS):
Ottawa’s municipal program providing low‑income residents with one‑time financial support for essential health and housing needs not covered by other assistance, including dental care, vision, utilities, rent and mobility aids.
Contact Information
ottawa.ca/ehss
📞 3‑1‑1 / 1‑866‑261‑9799
Old Age Security (OAS)
The Old Age Security (OAS) program is a federal government pension that provides a monthly retirement income to eligible Canadian seniors aged 65 and older, regardless of employment history. It is funded by general tax revenues and administered by Service Canada on behalf of the Government of Canada.
Contact Information:
🌐 https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/old‑age‑security.html
Phone:📞 1‑800‑277‑9914 (toll‑free Canada & US)📞 TTY: 1‑800‑255‑4786 for hearing‑impaired service
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
A federal, non‑taxable monthly benefit provided to low‑income Canadian seniors (65+) who are already receiving the Old Age Security (OAS) pension and meet income limits based on marital status and household income. It helps increase retirement income security for seniors with little or no other income.
Contact information
Service Canada – Guaranteed Income Supplement:
🌐 https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/old‑age‑security/guaranteed‑income‑supplement.html
Phone (Canada & U.S.):
📞 1‑800‑277‑9914 – General inquiries and applications
📞 1‑800‑255‑4786 (TTY) – Hearing‑impaired service