Guide

BC Senior’s Supplement

Learn more about financial support available for low-income seniors in British Columbia.
This Page Was Last Updated: August 9, 2024

BC Senior’s Supplement Calculator

Inputs
Enter your information below
Age

years

I Am Receiving the Federal OAS and GIS
I Am a Resident of British Columbia
Marital Status
Annual Income

$

Results

Click "Calculate" to determine your potential earnings!

You could receive

$777 each month

from BC Senior’s Supplement

What You Should Know
  • Seniors receiving OAS and GIS automatically qualify for the BC Seniors Supplement; no additional application is necessary.
  • The BC Seniors Supplement is a provincial benefit, specifically for residents of British Columbia, that supplements federal income support.
  • Single seniors can receive up to $99.30 per month, while those married or in a common-law relationship can receive up to $110.25 per month.
  • The annual income (excluding OAS and GIS) limit to qualify is up to $2,280 for single seniors and $4,896 for couples.
Best 5-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates in Canada CanadaLeaf
Select Mortgage Term:
Fixed
Variable

What is the BC Senior’s Supplement?

The BC Senior’s Supplement is a provincial benefit for low-income senior residents of British Columbia. This monthly top-up, a BC Employment and Assistance program, supplements the federal Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) payments.

Maximum Benefit Amount for 2024

For 2024, the maximum BC Senior’s Supplement for single seniors is $99.30 monthly or $110.25 for senior couples. Your benefit amount is reduced based on your annual income.

The table below shows the maximum annual benefit for 2024 for a senior with an income of $0 who receives the full OAS pension and GIS.

BC Senior’s Supplement Maximum Benefit

Maximum Monthly BenefitMaximum Annual Benefit
Single Senior$99.30$1,191.60
Senior in a marriage or common-law relationship
(Both on OAS/GIS)
$110.25$1,323.00
Senior Couple
(Partner Not on OAS/GIS)
$99.30$1,191.60

Source: BC Senior's Supplement Rate Table

Eligibility Criteria for BC Senior’s Supplement

The primary purpose of the BC Senior’s Supplement is to provide additional financial assistance to seniors who may still face economic challenges despite receiving federal benefits. To be eligible for this supplement, seniors must:

  • Be at least 65 years old and receive the federal Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) or the Federal spouse’s allowance.
  • Be a resident of British Columbia.

Income Limits for 2024

The following income limits to receive any of the BC Senior’s Supplement will apply for the year 2024:

  • For single individuals, the maximum annual income limit is $2,280
  • For couples that are both on OAS/GIS, the maximum combined annual income limit is $4,896
  • For couples that are not both on OAS/GIS, the maximum combined annual income limit is $10,272

BC Senior’s Supplement Income Limits for 2024

Maximum Annual Income
Single Senior$2,280
Senior Couple
(Both on OAS/GIS)
$4,896
Senior Couple
(Partner Not on OAS/GIS)
$10,272

What income is included?

The following list shows an example of sources of income that are considered when determining eligibility for BC Senior’s Supplement:

  • Employment or self-employment earnings
  • Investment income (e.g. bank interest, stock dividends)
  • Pension income (excluding OAS and GIS)
  • Rental income
  • Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
Best 5-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates in Canada CanadaLeaf
Select Mortgage Term:
Fixed
Variable

Application Process

The BC Senior’s Supplement is automatically provided to those who meet the eligibility criteria. Eligible seniors will automatically receive the Senior’s Supplement without applying separately. All you need to do is ensure you are receiving the federal Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) or the Federal spouse’s allowance.

The supplement will become effective the month following the first month of OAS and GIS benefits or Federal Allowance payments. For example, if you received your first OAS and GIS benefit in March 2025, you will receive your first BC Senior’s Supplement payment in April 2025.

When Will I Get My BC Senior’s Supplement Payment?

Last Payment

N/A

Next Payment

N/A

BC Senior’s Supplement Payment Dates for 2024

  • Monday, January 29, 2024
  • Tuesday, February 27, 2024
  • Wednesday, March 27, 2024
  • Monday, April 29, 2024
  • Wednesday, May 29, 2024
  • Thursday, June 27, 2024
  • Monday, July 29, 2024
  • Wednesday, August 28, 2024
  • Friday, September 27, 2024
  • Tuesday, October 29, 2024
  • Wednesday, November 27, 2024
  • Friday, December 20, 2024

BC Senior’s Supplement payments are made around the 29th of each month. This means you will receive your payment a few days after your OAS and GIS in some months. However, your BC Senior’s Supplement payment will be deposited to the same bank account in which you receive your OAS and GIS payments.

Comparing BC Senior's Supplement with Other Programs

Federal Programs

  1. Old Age Security (OAS): A federal benefit providing a monthly payment to seniors aged 65 and older.
  2. Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS): A federal supplement for low-income seniors receiving OAS designed to provide additional financial support.

Provincial Programs

British Columbia

Ontario

Alberta

  • Alberta Seniors Benefit: This program provides up to $3,792 per year for single seniors and $5,687 for senior couples, as well as a supplement for those living in a continuing care home.

Quebec

Manitoba

  • Manitoba 55 PLUS Program: Specifically designed for low-income seniors aged 55 and above, this program offers quarterly benefits of up to $161.80 for single seniors and $173.90 for couples.
Best 5-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates in Canada CanadaLeaf
Select Mortgage Term:
Fixed
Variable

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is eligible for the Senior’s Supplement?
Do seniors need to apply separately for the Senior’s Supplement?
When do Senior’s Supplement payments start?
How long can I be away from BC and still receive the benefit?
How often are Senior’s Supplement payments made?

Disclaimer:

  • Any analysis or commentary reflects the opinions of WOWA.ca analysts and should not be considered financial advice. Please consult a licensed professional before making any decisions.
  • The calculators and content on this page are for general information only. WOWA does not guarantee the accuracy and is not responsible for any consequences of using the calculator.
  • Financial institutions and brokerages may compensate us for connecting customers to them through payments for advertisements, clicks, and leads.
  • Interest rates are sourced from financial institutions' websites or provided to us directly. Real estate data is sourced from the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and regional boards' websites and documents.