Subsidies and financial help
Whether you’re about to retire or have already reached that stage, it’s essential to understand the government grants and subsidies available to help you financially.
On this page, we summarize the subsidies you may be entitled to, right in your pocket, to live your dream retirement at Les Résidences Soleil.
Click on the links below to read the details of each subsidy:
Ask our seniors’ subsidy experts for help
At Les Résidences Soleil, all our housing advisors are trained experts in applying for government financial aid. They are available to guide you through the process, completely free of charge.
Don’t let administrative hassles deprive you of these financial advantages for a comfortable and affordable retirement!
Every financial situation is unique, which is why it’s important to make an appointment to validate the exact amounts to which you are entitled.
You can afford it!
Here’s an example of how to calculate your income, budget and monthly availability with the help of a Résidences Soleil housing advisor.
7 main categories of subsidies to meet your needs:
Subject to certain eligibility conditions, this monthly benefit is available to all Canadians aged 65 and over. The amount varies according to age and maximum annual income. The amount is reviewed every 3 months, and currently ranges from $698.60 per month at age 65 to $768.46 per month at age 75*. This benefit is not available automatically; you must apply for it, and it is taxable income.
Old Age Security pension can be compared to a large “pie” divided in 40 equal slices. If you are eligible to a “full pension”, you are entitled to all 40 slices every month. If you are eligible to a “partial pension”, you will receive a certain number of slices, but never 40. The factors that determine whether you are eligible to a full or a partial pension depends on the number of years you lived in Canada since the age of 18. Read the following for more information.
Full pension
Generally, if you meet the requirements of one of the two categories below, you are entitled to a full pension:
- Category 1: You have lived in Canada for at least 40 years since the age of 18.
- Category 2: You were 25 years old on July 1st, 1977 or before that date and, at that time: you resided in Canada; OR you did not reside in Canada but have resided here for a certain time since the age of 18; OR held a valid immigration visa; AND have resided in Canada during the ten years immediately before the approval of your OAS pension application.
Who is eligible?
Three elements are considered in order to determine if you are eligible to Old Age Security pension: your age, your legal status and the number of years you have resided in Canada.
If you are residing in Canada, you must:
- be 65 years old or older;
- reside in Canada and be a Canadian citizen or a legal resident in Canada at the time your OAP pension application is approved;
- have resided in Canada for at least 10 years since the age of 18.
When should I apply?
You should apply for Old Age Security pension six months prior your 65th birthday, or upon receiving an Old Age Security pension application form. Generally, you need to apply yourself. If you are applying for another person, contact Service Canada to find out how to proceed.
What should I do?
To receive an application kit, you can contact Service Canada, go to a Service Canada centre, or print one online.
The kit contains detailed information that will help you apply for an Old Age Security pension. It also indicates where you must send the completed and signed application form.
Which documents should I provide?
If you were born outside of Canada or have not resided in Canada on a continual basis since you were 18 years old, you will need to provide proof of your legal status, such as citizenship or immigration documents. You will also need to provide a document listing all your entry dates in Canada as well as all dates where you have left the country, from the age of 18 up until now. You may be required to provide proof confirming these dates.
The application kit has more information about these requirements.
This is an additional benefit for low-income seniors. The amount varies according to your family situation and income. It can be as much as $1,043.45 per month for a single person with an annual income of less than $21,168*. You can consult the estimation tool available on the Government of Canada website to find out what benefits some people are eligible for.
Since 2022, this tax credit has been available to Quebecers aged 70 and over. An annual amount of $2,000 is currently allocated, or $166.77 per month for a single person and up to $4,000 per year for a couple, depending on family income*.
This credit is intended for low- and middle-income households. The amount is calculated on the basis of your previous year’s annual tax return. Monthly payments can go up to $87 per month*.
How can I apply?
To receive this tax credit, you must be registered for direct deposit. If you are not registered, you can apply through one of the following methods:
- through the online service Registering for direct deposit;
- by enclosing with your income tax return a voided cheque (from an account at a financial institution that has an establishment in Canada) bearing your name and social insurance number;
- by completing a Request for Direct Deposit form (LM-3.Q or LM-3.M) and enclosing it with your income tax return.
If you do not have a bank account, please contact Revenu Québec.
Who is eligible?
You can apply for the solidarity tax credit if, at the beginning of a month between July 1st and June 30th of the following year, you meet the following requirements:
- you are 18 years or older;
- you are residing in Québec;
- you or your spouse are either a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident or a protected person within the meaning of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, or a temporary resident or the holder of a temporary resident permit within the meaning of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act who has been living in Canada for the last 18 months.
This program is designed to help people aged 50 and over and low-income families pay their rent. The housing allowance takes into account the number of people in your household, your household type, your income and your monthly rent. Monthly payments can range from $100 to $170*.
Who is eligible?
The Shelter Allowance program applies to:
- persons aged 50 or older;
- couples where one of the persons are aged 50 years or older;
- low-income households (composed of workers, students, income-security recipients or other low-income families) with at least one dependant child.
How can I apply?
If you would like to apply to the Shelter Allowance program, contact Revenu Québec to request the Shelter Allowance application form. Please note: this form is not available on Revenu Québec’s website.
For more information, review the Shelter Allowance program document (IN-165) or visit the Société d’habitation du Québec website.
Some Quebec cities offer a subsidy ranging from $65 to $300 per year to their senior citizens*.
This credit is available to those aged 70 and over, who pay for services or goods to maintain their independence. It significantly reduces the cost of your lease for each service included, such as security (receptionist), housekeeping, nursing staff, laundry, meals and care. The credit can cover up to 37% of eligible expenses*.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible to the tax credit for home-support services of a senior, you must:
- be at least 70 years old;
- be a resident in Quebec on December 31st of the current year.
If you turned 70 during the year, you can claim the tax credit only for expenses incurred for home-support services rendered or to be rendered after your 70th birthday.
How can I apply?
You can claim your tax credit when filing your income tax return or apply for advance payments.
If you claim your tax credit when filing your income tax return, review the Income Tax Guide (TP-1.G) and fill out Schedule J of your income tax return.
Did you know?
Did you know that it was thanks to the Savoie family, in close collaboration with the late Mr. Robert Chagnon, a founding member of the ARRQ, now known as the Regroupement québécois des résidences pour aînés – RQRA, that the government introduced the tax credit for home support in residences in 2000? Thanks to this tax credit, people aged 70 and over in Quebec can receive financial assistance to reimburse between 35% and 65% of their eligible expenses.
*Based on official governmental estimation tools in force. September 2023
Contact one of our housing advisors
Contact one of our housing advisors today to apply for government grants and financial assistance. Our experts will work with you, free of charge, to ensure you receive all the income you’re entitled to!
Financial help: Unique programs
At Residences Soleil, we understand that many seniors may have financial restrictions. This insight is at the heart of our decision to focus on ensuring that residents continue to have the financial means to keep calling Residences Soleil home.
