Many Canadians assume that poverty among seniors is a minor issue. That the income security system provides enough for the elderly to live with dignity. But this new report reveals a different reality: 430,000 seniors in Canada live below the Official Poverty Line. 

Why does seniors’ poverty persist?

Despite being one of the most robust income support systems in the country, Old Age Security (OAS) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) are failing to protect many older adults from poverty. Our report identifies two key reasons: 

• Access barriers: Barriers include complex application processes, lack of awareness, and administrative hurdles. Some seniors are ineligible altogether because they have not met residence requirements. 
• Inadequate benefit levels: In high-cost cities such as Toronto and Vancouver, even the maximum available supports leave seniors thousands of dollars below the poverty line. 

Access this resource to learn more.