A federal financial assistance program for low income seniors between the ages of 60 and 64 whose spouse or common-law partner has died. Benefits will not be paid if the recipient remarries or lives in a common-law relationship that lasts for more than one year. At age 65, the benefit automatically converts to the Old Age Security pension and, if the survivor is eligible, the Guaranteed Income Supplement.

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Financial assistance programs administered by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) that help First Nations individuals and families living on reserves meet their basic need for food, clothing and shelter. ISC also funds special needs allowances for goods and services (such as basic furniture or costs associated with following a physician-recommended diet) which are essential to the physical or social well-being of an eligible recipient but are not included in the list of items covered by the basic need grant. ISC provides funding to First Nations who deliver the programs and services to their people.

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A federal program that provides additional payments for recipients of Old Age Security with a low annual income (or, in the case of a couple, a low combined income of the applicant and spouse or common-law partner). Recipients must re-apply annually for the Guaranteed Income Supplement benefit by filing an income statement or by completing an income tax return. The Guaranteed Income Supplement is not subject to income tax.

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A financial assistance program administered by the Income Security Programs Branch of HRSDC that pay monthly benefits to most Canadians age 65 and older. Old Age Security (OAS) is paid to most Canadians with at least 10 years of residency. An individual's employment history is not a factor in determining eligibility, nor does the applicant need to be retired. OAS pensioners pay federal and provincial income tax. Higher income pensioners also repay part or all of their benefit through the tax system.

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Financial assistance programs administered by provinces/territories that serve as sources of last resort for families and individuals who, for various reasons, including disability, illness, low income or unemployment, cannot meet basic living costs and have no other sources of income. These programs are known by a variety of different names and have differing eligibility criteria. All include a case plan development component that aims to move employable recipients towards self-sufficiency through participation in job search activities and approved training programs. Applications are generally income and asset-tested, and applicants are expected to make use of all available resources before they can qualify. Additional emergency or hardship assistance may be available in some situations such as covering the cost of a burial for an immediate family member. In some jurisdictions, the province/territory may assume responsibility for providing federally-funded welfare programs to members of First Nations who live on reserve.

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