Can You Get OAS If You Never Worked in Canada? Here What You Need to Know

The Old Age Security (OAS) pension is a cornerstone of retirement income for Canadians, providing financial support regardless of your employment history. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding eligibility, including special cases and additional benefits.

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Can You Receive OAS If You Have Never Worked?

Yes, you can! Your employment history does not affect your eligibility for OAS. Even if you have never worked or are still working, you may qualify for this pension.

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Eligibility Criteria for OAS Pension

If You Live in Canada

To qualify for OAS while residing in Canada, you must:

1. Be 65 years or older.
2. Be a Canadian citizen or legal resident at the time your OAS application is approved.
3. Have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after the age of 18.

If You Live Outside Canada

For those living abroad, eligibility requires that you:

1. Are 65 years or older.
2. Were you a Canadian citizen or legal resident the day before you left Canada?
3. Have lived in Canada for at least 20 years after the age of 18.

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Special Cases: Canadians Working Abroad

Counting Time Abroad as Residence

If you worked outside Canada for a Canadian employer (e.g., Canadian Armed Forces, Canadian banks), this time may count as residence in Canada, provided:

• You returned to Canada within 6 months of ending your employment.
• You turned 65 while still employed abroad and maintained Canadian residence during your employment.

Documentation Required

1. Proof of employment from your employer.
2. Proof of physically returning to Canada (unless you turned 65 while employed abroad).

Spouses, common-law partners, dependents, and Canadians working for international organizations may also qualify under certain conditions.

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Social Security Agreements and Eligibility

If you lived or worked in a country with which Canada has a social security agreement, you may qualify for:

• OAS payments are based on combined residency periods.
• A pension from the other country.

For more details, consult Canada’s agreements with specific countries.

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Additional Benefits Based on Income and Age

Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)

Low-income OAS recipients may qualify for the GIS, a non-taxable benefit that provides additional financial support.

Allowance for Spouses and Survivors

Spouses or common-law partners aged 60–64 may be eligible for an Allowance if:

• Their combined household income is below a certain threshold.

Surviving spouses may also qualify for an Allowance for the Survivor under similar conditions.

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Key Takeaways

• You don’t need a work history to qualify for OAS.
• Residency in Canada or under specific international agreements determines eligibility.
• Extra benefits like GIS and Allowances can further enhance financial security in retirement.

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For detailed information or to apply, visit the Government of Canada’s OAS page.