Being a senior in Canada opens access to benefits that help support financial stability and quality of life.
In this guide, I cover the age you’re considered senior in Canada, the various benefits that come with it, such as government pensions and grants, the different senior discounts you’re entitled to, and how to access them.
What Age is Considered Senior in Canada?
In Canada, 65 is the official age when you’re considered a senior citizen and become eligible to apply for various government programs and grants. Nevertheless, at age 55, you can start receiving plenty of senior discounts and some government services.
Typically, it’s only until the age of 60 or 65 that you get access to the primary benefits for seniors in Canada, including the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Old Age Security (OAS), and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), to mention a few.
Senior Discount Age in Canada
The age at which seniors can access discounts differs between providers. For provincial and federal government programs, the age at which individuals can access benefits can vary from 55 onwards. With some retailers, the age to avail of senior discounts can be as early as 50.
Below are senior discounts for goods and services that you can take advantage of at many retailers, restaurants and other service providers.
- Denny’s – Available to everyone 55 or older, the 55+ Appreciation promo offers 15% off the entire menu every Thursday from 2 PM to 10 PM (dine-in only at select locations).
- Mandarin Restaurant – Seniors 65+ get 20% off the buffet service when they present a valid photo ID.
- The Pantry – Every Monday, seniors 60+ get 50% off any entree from The Pantry’s PrimeTimers menu when they purchase any beverage.
- Amaranth Foods – Seniors 65 years and older who are registered as seniors in Amaranth’s database get 10% off their purchases every Tuesday (except for fresh produce and fresh bakery items).
- Nature’s Fare Markets – Wednesdays and Thursdays are Seniors Day at Nature’s Fare Markets, where seniors 60 and up get 5% off regularly priced merchandise.
- Liquor Depot – Seniors over 65 get 5% off their purchases (except sale items) every Tuesday.
- Shoppers Drug Mart – With a PC Optimum card, seniors enjoy a 20% discount every Thursday on almost all regular-priced merchandise.
- Lawtons Drugs – The 55+ Appreciation Day offers customers aged 55+ 20% off on various products on most Wednesdays when they scan their Scene+ card.
- CIBC – CIBC offers the Smart for Seniors chequing account for seniors 65 years old. It features a lower monthly fee, free Interac e-Transfers, and a $5 discount on the annual rental fee for a safety deposit box.
- BMO – BMO offers seniors’ bank accounts for clients 60 or older. It features no monthly plan fee with a Practical Plan chequing account, and seniors’ discounts on all BMO chequing accounts, etc.
- Scotiabank – The seniors bank accounts from Scotiabank offer monthly fee discounts on the Ultimate Package, Preferred Package and Basic Plus Bank Account.
Click here for the complete list of senior discounts from a diverse array of providers in various industries.
Benefits for Seniors 55 and Older in Canada
Individuals aged 55 and older can avail themselves of the different financial assistance and benefits for seniors 55 and older, including the following:
Manitoba 55 PLUS Program
In Manitoba, low-income individuals aged 55 and older receive quarterly benefits through the 55 PLUS Program, a Manitoba Income Supplement. The maximum quarterly benefits for a single person is $161.80, and, for couples, the amount is $173.90 for each eligible person.
Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
When you turn 65, you gain access to the CPP, which pays out a maximum of $1,364.60 for 2024. To qualify for this taxable payment, you must have contributed at least once to the CPP while you were employed.
Old Age Security (OAS)
You become eligible for the OAS when you turn 65 and have resided in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18. The maximum amount seniors aged 65-74 can receive is $713.34. For those aged 75 and over, the maximum monthly OAS payment is $784.67.
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
Low-income seniors aged 65 or older can apply for the monthly, taxable GIS payment. To qualify, single/divorced/widowed seniors must earn less than $21,624. For senior couples, the income range to qualify for GIS is from $28,560 to $51,840,
FAQs
Is the retirement age 65 or 67 in Canada?
The retirement age in Canada is 65, the age at which most government benefits and grants become available. However, you can retire as early as 55 or as late as 71.
Is 55 years old considered senior?
While 65 is generally the retirement age, some consider being 55 a senior. When you turn 55, you begin to enter the senior age group, which can explain why there are many senior benefits and discounts offered to those aged 55.
What happens when you turn 65 in Canada?
When you reach 65 years old, you officially become a senior citizen and become eligible to receive various government benefits, including the CPP, OAS and GIS. these benefits are designed to help you be financially stable during your later years.
Can a 70-year-old move to Canada?
There’s no specific age limit for moving to Canada, but older individuals may face certain restrictions. However, age is not the sole factor for eligibility. Other things for consideration include education, work experience, language proficiency, and if you can support yourself.
