Are You Living in a Common-Law Relationship?
Changes to the Old Age Security program and the Canada Pension Plan may affect your benefits
As a result of the changes that took effect on July 31, 2000:
- Same-sex common-law partners have the same benefits and obligations as opposite-sex common-law partners.
- The definition of a common-law couple, whether opposite-sex or same-sex, is two people who have been living together in a conjugal relationship for at least one year.
How the above changes may affect your benefits
If you are single, married or already receiving benefits on the basis of a common-law relationship, your eligibility is not affected.
If you are in a common-law relationship, and you are receiving benefits as a single, your benefits could be affected.
When you should contact us
Contact us if you are unsure what our records say about your marital status.
If you need to have your marital status confirmed or changed, it is important that you contact us immediately so that we can make sure you receive the correct benefits. By contacting us quickly, you reduce the chance that you will be overpaid and have to repay part of your benefits. We will also be able to help you and your partner apply for any additional benefits for which you may now qualify.
N.B.: It is important that couples record their marital status in the same way for all benefits. If you do not report your common-law relationship for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) or the Allowance, it may affect your or your partner's eligibility for other benefits in the future (e.g., CPP survivor benefits).
This information provides a general overview of the changes to OAS and the CPP. If you have questions or need more comprehensive information, please consult the relevant acts or call Human Resources Development Canada free of charge at
1 800 277-9914.
Visit the Old Age Security or Canada Pension Plan Web site for additional information.