There was an article recently on the Toronto Star Web site that outlined the plight of some Canadian immigrants trying to collect Old Age Security. These folks are struggling to get by because the OAS they were counting on they can’t collect.
The government is demanding everything from landing papers (this is moderately reasonable, but not if you have to wait over 6 months to get it!) to old plane tickets from years past (not so reasonable).
The general take in the article seems to be that the government is trying to save cash – they’ve raised the eligibility rate from 65 to 67, and are now trying to deny people who do qualify for OAS their hard earned cash.
So, what can be learned from this situation?
- Always have a cushion. The retired nurse written about here seems to have worked hard all her life, but have very little to show for it- she’s living entirely off CPP and government assistance. I’m not worried the entire social system will collapse, but I don’t want to be dependent on it either.
- Start looking into the process early – at least 2 to 3 years before you expect to be able to collect OAS, CPP, etc. Determine exactly what paperwork you’ll need to be able to qualify. Start collecting it – some things can take months to obtain from the government or track down.
- Research your resources – there may be community groups or other resources that can help point you to people in your situation, and help you determine how to cut through the red tape.
Unfortunately, you often have to fight for what is rightfully yours – whether it’s CPP or OAS, or reimbursement from your insurance company (add link). By arming yourself with all the papers you need, and starting early, you give yourself a fighting chance.
Do you think you may end up in this situation or know anyone who has? Have you ever had to argue with the government for something you should be entitled to?
I think this is ridiculous. If you are a citizen, whether born here or not and have that status you should be entitled to benefits like this. Isn’t that what the root of being a citizen means anyways?!
I haven’t run into this but I know a few people that have and they are still fighting it out.
Miss T @ Prairie Eco-Thrifter recently posted..10 Nifty Ways to Eat Organic on a Budget
Yeah, it’s nuts. Good luck to those folks you know!
I think it’s ridiculous.. frankly, if you were born here and have paid into the system via taxes for your whole life, that’s your right. If you are immigrating here at 57 and expect to have a paid retirement for free (without paying taxes your whole life in Canada) then I can understand the government wanting to see some documentation.. or outright denying it.
Daisy recently posted..Universal Health Care – What It’s Like
I think you have to be here a minimum of 10 years. These sounds like cases where people have been here a long time and are still being denied benefits.
Pretty dumb situation, but I can see what the government is protecting itself from. Really though, why can’t they just check the records of how long the person has been paying into CPP? You’d think that would be easy enough. Making them jump through all these extra hoops just goes against the multi-cultural basis of Canada.
Modest Money recently posted..Advanced Keyword Strategy For Your Blog
Agreed. The government has everything at it’s fingertips that it should need..
Well that’s something I’ll definitely be looking into and reporting on. I’ve only lived here for 6 years and working for 5 years in Canada. Seems like time is moving fast and slow at the same time. Although I have my UK works pensions and all my paperwork, flight tickets etc I hope I don’t have many hoops to jump through. With that being said, saving as much as we can is the best route. No one can be sure what will happen with pensions 50 years down the road. Look after yourself as no one else will. Cheers Mr.CBB
Canadianbudgetbinder recently posted..Discounted,Discontinued,Dented and End of Season Sales=Buying Power
Very true. Pay yourself first and take care of yourself first. hope you never run into this!
Being an immigrant my self, it angers me because immigrants contribute equally to the society as much as any born Canadian. However, I’ve got at least 40 years until this hits me, and I’m certain by then it’ll be either non existent or will change 50 times over. My parents though are another story – 10yrs to go for them until the moment of truth.
Eddie recently posted..Sometimes You Just Can’t Win, Even When Merchants Offer a Cash Discount!
I know, I know it’s crazy. Your parents may want to start checking into things early..