BCRTA Benefits
Government of Canada Benefits:
A great source of general information on Canada Benefit Plans:
TELEPHONE CONTACT NUMBERS:
Social Insurance Number
1.800.206.7218
Canada Pension and Old Age Security
1.800.277.9914
GIS/Allowance (Guaranteed Income Supplement/Allowance)
1.800.277.9914
Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB)
1.800.387.1193
GST/HST Credit
1.800.959.1953
T.I.P.S. (Tax Information Phone Service)
1.800.267.6999
Individual Income Tax Inquiries
1.800.959.8281
USEFUL INFORMATION:
CANADA PENSION PLAN (CPP):
• You MUST apply for this benefit.
• Normal age for application is 65:
Early CPP is available at 60 – reduced 1/2% each month under 65.
Delayed CPP up to 70 – increased 1/2% each month over 65.
• To check your Statement of Contributions for accuracy contact Service Canada at 1 877 454 4051. If you have concerns you may request a review of your file and the calculations.
• Includes provision for a Disability Pension
• Includes provision for a Survivors Pension
• Couples both earning CPP benefits may combine and split the income 50/50 – this will continue until you ask to have it stopped.
• CPP credits may be divided upon a marriage breakdown. May apply any time after the split unless this has been addressed in a separation agreement.
OLD AGE SECURITY (OAS):
• Starts at 65 you must apply in writing
• Must be a citizen or legal resident of Canada
• Must have 10 years of residence in Canada after age 18
• There are reciprocal agreements with many countries
• Do NOT self-screen - just apply
GUARANTEED INCOME SUPPLIMENT (GIS):
• Added to OAS for low-income seniors
• Based on income and marital status
• Not asset tested
• Is available between 60 and 64 for survivors and low-income couples
• Triggers other benefits
TAXES:
• Medical expenses greater than 3% of net income – may go back up to 10 years (receipts required).
Include: % not paid by extended health plan
Medicines
Medical treatments
Medical travel insurance
Ambulance
Gluten free food
Some services if prescribed by a Doctor - CHECK
• Long distance Medical Assistance:
Includes transportation (greater than 40 km)
Includes transportation, accommodation, meals and parking (greater than 80 km)
Companion is covered if ordered by a Doctor
• Credit is given for public transit passes.
VETERAN’S ALLOWANCE:
http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/audiences/veterans/index.shtml
• Veterans Affairs Canada
EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE (EI): GC website link
REGISTERED RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLANS (RRSP): GC website link
REGISTERED RETIREMENT INCOME FUND (RRIF): GC website link
TAX FREE SAVINGS PLANS (TFSA): GC website link