In the month of December 2024, all seniors from qualifying locations across Canada would receive another benefit that enables them to reduce their financial burden during the holidays. The Canadian government has thus promised one-time consideration of over $1,300 in their Old Age Security (OAS) payments and $250 checks for these senior citizens. This benefit is aimed at improving the lives of seniors and ensuring that they can afford to live decently in their old age.
Here is actually how to qualify and When to Expect Payments:
What Is the $1,300 + $250 Bonus?
With the payment of December 2024, seniors will receive a one-time benefit of $1,300, and an additional sum of $250 at a slightly later time. The payment is part of the larger initiative undertaken by the Canadian government in dealing with inflation, as well as to bring additional help to senior citizens who are having trouble coping with increasing prices for basic needs. In particular, this additional amount is intended to counter specific expenses for food, health care, utilities, and other needs.
We are currently looking at $1,300 more than the average regular OAS payment, with the $250 assigned to provide shoulder relief for additional seniors living below income. The added bucks are coming at a time when most Canadians are experiencing financial hardships because of harsh inflation rates and newer life costs.
Who Is Eligible for the $1,300 + $250 Bonus?
To be considered for the $1,300-plus-and-the-supplementary-250 check, eligibility fruits will accrue based on the rules as follows:
- Age criteria: You should be at least 65 years old as of December 2024. This is the age requirement under the OAS program for citizens and legal residents of Canada.
- OAS Eligibility: The bonus will be combined with the regular OAS payments already received by seniors. Thus, the supplementary payment is given to those who presently receive OAS benefits.
- Income Threshold: The majority of senior citizens could avail of the OAS, but there are income-related reductions via the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).
- Seniors who received GIS payments might be one of the qualifiers for the $250 supplementary payment associated with having income less than certain levels. The payment of $250 is for low-income seniors, which is important for people in financial need.
Other Eligibility
Residency Requirement: For OAS payments, residence in Canada must have continued for at least 10 years after turning 18. But the actual residency tenure requirements for the bonus payment will vary somewhat depending on the individual’s circumstances.
The Above Payment Dates
Generally, the OAS payments are made monthly, but December 2024 will see the bonus paid in one lump sum.
Payment Date: The federal government said that it will distribute the checks of $1,300 + $250 to eligible recipients on December 21, 2024. This is the same date that will apply to regular OAS payments for that month and for these bonus amounts.
For recipients who receive OAS via direct deposit, the checks will be credited to their accounts on December 21. Checks will be delivered by mail around the same time to those recipients who receive paper checks, although some may have to wait a few more days to receive theirs.
How to Apply
Older adults on the OAS benefit need not apply for the December bonus separately. These will automatically be processed and added to regular OAS checks. However, for those who have not yet applied for OAS, now is the time to do it well before the payment date. You can even apply for OAS up to 11 months before you actually turn 65. The $250 bonus will be verified automatically through existing GIS payment records for anyone who qualifies for GIS.
Also Read: Canada GST Payment Dates 2025: Full Schedule from January to December
Also Read: CRA Grant Changes In Canada for February 2025: See Full Details
