2006 November Report of the Auditor General of Canada

Residence

OAS pension

The amount of pension paid depends on the rule under which the beneficiary qualifies.

Full pension—40-year rule

The applicant has resided in Canada for at least 40 years after age 18 and before approval of the application.

Full pension—10-year rule

On 1 July 1977, the applicant was 25 years or older, and

• was living in Canada, or
• had already lived in Canada after age 18, or
• possessed a valid Canadian immigration visa, and

has resided in Canada for the last 10 years immediately before the date of approval of the application.

Full pension—"3 for 1" rule

On 1 July 1977, the applicant was 25 years or older, and

• was living in Canada, or
• had already lived in Canada after age 18, or
• possessed a valid Canadian immigration visa, and

has resided in Canada for at least 1 year immediately before the date of approval of the application, and was present in Canada after age 18 and before the 10 years immediately preceding the date of approval of the application, for periods totalling at least three times the length of absences during the 10-year period.

Partial pension

The applicant has resided in Canada for at least 10 years but less than 40 years after age 18.

• 1/40 of the full pension is granted for each full year of residence in Canada.
• The amount of the partial pension does not change once it has been approved, even if the recipient continues to reside in Canada.

GIS and Allowances

The applicant must have resided in Canada for at least 10 years.

Portability

(benefit can continue to be paid indefinitely to a recipient living outside Canada)

OAS pension

The applicant must have resided in Canada for at least 20 years before departure.

In the case of a partial pension, the 20 years may include time resided in Canada after approval of the pension.

If the applicant has resided in Canada for less than 20 years, payments are stopped after six months following the month of departure from the country.

GIS and Allowances

The applicant must live in Canada to receive benefits.

Payments are stopped after six months following the month of departure from Canada.