The term “Involuntary Separation” does not mean getting a legal separation or divorce. This means that the spouses are considered single only for the purpose of calculating their OAS and GIS benefits.

“Involuntary Separation” refers to a situation in which senior couples must live apart due to circumstances beyond their control, often because one or both need long-term care. This separation can place a financial strain on the couple, especially if their income is limited to public pensions like Old Age Security (OAS), Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), and Canada Pension Plan (CPP).

Couples can apply for “Involuntary Separation” status under the Old Age Security Act to alleviate this. This allows each spouse to be treated as single for OAS and GIS calculations, potentially increasing their benefits. This status is granted when the separation is involuntary, such as when one or both spouses must move to a long-term care facility.

For more details, you can contact Service Canada or visit Your Complete Guide to Canada's Old Age Security Program.

To qualify for “Involuntary Separation” status under the Old Age Security (OAS) Act in Canada, the following criteria must be met:

Physical Separation - You and your spouse must be living apart, no longer under the same roof.

Involuntary Nature - The separation must be due to circumstances beyond your control, such as health issues requiring one or both spouses to move to a long-term care facility.

Age Requirement - At least one spouse must be 65 years or older and receiving OAS.

Marital Status - You must be legally married or in a common-law partnership.

If these conditions are met, you can apply to have each spouse treated as single to calculate OAS and GIS benefits, potentially increasing the financial support you receive.

To apply for “Involuntary Separation” status in Canada, follow these steps:

Obtain the Necessary Forms

Fill out the form with accurate information about your situation. Ensure you provide all required details to demonstrate that the separation is involuntary due to circumstances beyond your control.

Submit the Forms

You can submit the completed forms to Service Canada by mail, phone, in person, or online.

For further guidance, visit Service Canada or speak with a representative at 1-800-277-9914.

The Alzheimer Society in your community can provide educational resources to help you learn more about the disease, referrals to help you access the practical support you need, and one-on-one and group support to help you cope with the emotional impact of the disease. Contact your local Alzheimer Society. Alternatively, try typing your question into the search bar above. 

Ask family members and friends for their help and support. Take advantage of community programs that provide respite and relief from caregiving, practical help with meals or housework and assistance with the care of the person with Alzheimer's disease. And plan ahead for both the immediate future and the long term. These are just some of the things care partners can do to make their lives a bit easier.

Contact your local Alzheimer Society for help connecting to services such as support groups, counseling and information resources.  Use the search bar above to find a Community Care Access office of Alberta Health Services close to you.  They can provide information about publicly funded respite options.