Frequently Asked Questions

1. As a retiree, what key programs and services should I be aware of?

The Ontario government is bundling information and services around key life events, such as “Getting Ready to Retire”. Each bundle brings together in one place everything on the subject from across government jurisdictions and ministerial lines. From this site, you can find information on things you need to know and quick links to forms you might need including, OAS, CPP, International Benefits, Veterans Pension, GAINS, Ontario Drug Benefits, Housing and other resources.

For information, visit the “Life Events” section at the Government of Ontario Website at www.ontario.ca or one of the 69 ServiceOntario Centres around the province, or call the Citizens’ Inquiry Bureau at 1-800- 267-8097.

Income Security

Human Resources and Social Development Canada administers two federal income security programs: Old Age Security (which includes the Guaranteed Income Supplement and the Allowance) and the Canada Pension Plan.

The Government of Ontario administers the Guaranteed Annual Income System, which ensures a guaranteed minimum income for Ontario senior citizens by providing monthly payments to qualifying pensioners.

Drug Benefits

Once you turn 65 years of age, as long as you have a valid Ontario Health Card, you are automatically entitled to receive benefits under the Ontario Drug Benefit program.

2. Where do I go if I need home care or want to find out about nursing homes in my community?

There are 14 Community Care Access Centres (CCACs) in the province that provide simplified access to community- based long-term health care services including determining eligibility and arranging for a range of visiting health and personal support services (e.g. home care) in people’s homes and arranging admissions to long-term care facilities (nursing homes/homes for the aged).

3. I’m a senior with limited income:

A. What financial assistance is available to me?

If you have little or no income besides your Old Age Security (OAS) basic pension, you might be eligible to receive a monthly Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). The amount of this extra payment is based on your income and that of your spouse or common-law partner. You may also be eligible for the Allowance/ Allowance for the Survivor. This monthly allowance is designed to recognize the difficult circumstances faced by many survivors and by couples living on a single pension.

The Government of Ontario administers the Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS), which ensures a guaranteed minimum income for Ontario senior citizens by providing monthly payments to qualifying pensioners.

B. I need help managing my finances/debt, where can I get help?

If your finances are causing you concern or you are beginning to experience financial difficulty, contact a credit counselor. A credit counselor will carry out a full financial assessment to obtain a clear picture of your financial situation and will explore alternatives with you. Your counsellor will help you with money management skills and discuss strategies for dealing with debt. You may also want to contact your own financial institution to learn how they can help you.

C. How can I find an affordable place to live?

There are a variety of accommodation options for older adults, depending on your financial and health situation.

Social housing is any housing where the owner receives a subsidy from the municipality or a cost-shared subsidy from the federal government to provide rent geared-to-income units (RGI units). Owners may be private landlords with rent supplement units, municipalities who own public housing or non-profit/co-operative corporations who own housing projects. Some non-profit housing providers have a legislated mandate to house seniors (those over the age of 65).

4. Someone close to me has just passed away. What steps do I have to take, and whom do I notify?

In chapter 11 you will find detailed information on What to Do When Someone Dies, including how to go about making funeral arrangements Seniors’ INFOline : 1-888-910-1999 and the organizations that you may need to notify about the death.

5. I need to have dental work done, but I don’t have private insurance to help cover the cost. What can I do?

Several universities and colleges have dental clinics open to the public. Services vary according to the clinic. Fees are generally less than what private practitioners charge. Contact clinics individually to determine services, fees and availability of appointments. For a list of university and college dental clinics, see the Directory.

Your local Community Information Centre (CIC) may also be able to identify options for dental care services in your area.

6. I’m a new immigrant to Ontario, what services are available to help me get settled?

Information on Canadian immigration or citizenship is available through Citizenship and Immigration Canada. Also, community agencies across the province provide services to help newcomers adjust to their new lives in Ontario and become active members of their communities.

7. Where can I learn more about Property and Personal Care Powers of Attorney?

Information about Powers of Attorney and how to obtain a Power of Attorney Kit and about Advanced Care Planning can be found in chapter 11.

8. What can I do if I believe that my friend’s attorney is mismanaging her property or making personal care decisions for her that aren’t what she would want?

If your friend is mentally capable, speak to your friend about your concerns. Your friend can revoke either or both of the powers of attorney if she believes that her attorney is not acting appropriately in the way that she wants.

If your friend is not mentally capable, you or one of your friend’s relatives can apply to the court to become her Guardian of property and/or the person. A Guardianship order of the court takes priority over the power of attorney. The court order of guardianship gives authority to the named guardian to make decisions for property and/or personal care for the incapable person.

Also, if your friend is at serious risk of harm either in respect to her property or person, you can contact the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee (OPGT) and ask that they conduct a guardianship investigation.

The Public Guardian and Trustee’s information brochures may also assist you. See chapter 11 for information on the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee and the services they offer.

9. Where can I learn more about Discrimination against Older Persons because of Age and Ageism?

The Ontario Human Rights Commission has conducted extensive research and consultation on ageism and age discrimination of older Ontarians.

10. How do I contact my Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP)?

To find out who your MPP is, contact Elections Ontario:
Toll-free: 1-800-677-8683
Website: www.electionsontario.on.ca