Are you getting social assistance or social solidarity benefits and will soon hit 60? Here’s what you need to know.
Last-resort financial assistance
Last-resort financial assistance is granted to low-income adults who have little or no savings. The Ministère de l’Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale (MESS) du Québec offers this assistance.
If you are receiving benefits under any of the following four programs, you are getting last-resort financial assistance:
- Social Assistance Program;
- Social Solidarity Program;
- Basic Income Program;
- Aim for Employment Program.
Your benefit amounts are calculated based on your personal and family situation, your income and your assets.
As a last-resort financial assistance recipient, you must:
- Declare any changes in your situation and any new income;
- Take steps to obtain any other amount that you might qualify for.
What happens at 60?
You’ll have access to various programs:
1. Québec Pension Plan (QPP)
Starting at age 60, you may qualify for the Québec Pension Plan. You must apply for it in the 12 months leading up to your 60th birthday.
If you’re eligible for a pension, it could lower your MESS benefit amounts or replace them.
Are you working and receiving a pension at the same time? You’ll automatically receive the Retirement Pension Supplement.
2. Federal government programs
Starting at age 65, you’ll no longer be eligible for MESS benefits. However, you’ll be able to get the Old Age Security pension from the Government of Canada.
To receive your pension, you may have to apply for it. You can do this up to 11 months before your 65th birthday.
If your income is low, you might get the Guaranteed Income Supplement and an Allowance in addition to your pension. Find out more from Employment and Social Development Canada.
3. Other support measures
Seniors with low incomes also have access to various tax credits, programs and services. Visit Quebec.ca.
Questions or problems?
For any questions about the Québec Pension Plan, go to the Retraite Québec website.
For further information about MESS’s last-resort financial assistance programs, visit Quebec.ca.
Do you disagree with MESS’s decision about your last-resort financial assistance application? You have 90 days to contest it.
Dissatisfied with MESS or Retraite Québec services? The Québec Ombudsman handles complaints that involve Government of Québec departments and agencies. Our services are free and confidential. Important note: we cannot intervene concerning federal government organizations.
Also see: Legal aid: free services for people with low incomes
