Involuntary Separation
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:
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.
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.
