Dictionary, Census of Population, 2016
Old Age Security pension (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)Dictionary, Census of Population, 2016
Old Age Security pension (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)

Definition

Old Age Security pension and Guaranteed Income Supplement paid to persons aged 65 years and over, and to the Allowance or the Allowance for the Survivor paid to 60- to 64-year-old spouses of old age security recipients or widow(er)s by the federal government during the reference period.

For the 2016 Census, the reference period is the calendar year 2015 for all income variables.

Statistical unit(s)

Person

Classification(s)

Not applicable

Reported in

2016 (100% data); 2011^{Note 1} (30% sample); 2006, 2001, 1996, 1991, 1986 and 1981 (20% sample). For availability prior to 1981, refer to Appendix 2.0.

Reported for

Population aged 15 years and over in private households

Question number(s)

Variable derived based on administrative tax and benefit records received from the Canada Revenue Agency.

Responses

Positive dollar value or nil

Remarks

The amount to be repaid based on net income when filing a tax return is excluded.

Provincial income supplements for seniors are included in government transfers not included elsewhere.

Retirement pensions to civil servants, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and military personnel are included in private retirement income.

See Remarks under total income.

See also income sources and the detailed definitions for each of the components: Old Age Security pension (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and spousal allowance.

For more information, please refer to Appendix 4.1, Components of income in 2015.

For additional information about data collection method, coverage, reference period, concepts, data quality and intercensal comparability of the income data, refer to the Income Reference Guide, Census of Population, 2016.

Note