Implement Spouse's Allowance Benefits

[MaxGhenis]

Description

The Spouse's Allowance (now called Allowance) is included in SPSD/M but missing from PolicyEngine Canada. This is part of the Old Age Security (OAS) program.

Required Implementation

The Allowance provides income support to:

• Spouses/common-law partners of OAS pensioners aged 60-64
• Survivors (Allowance for the Survivor) aged 60-64

Benefit Details

• Available to low-income individuals aged 60-64
• Combined income test with spouse
• Includes basic allowance plus GIS top-up
• Stops at age 65 when OAS eligibility begins

Implementation Notes

• Requires household income testing
• Coordinated with GIS calculations
• Different rates for regular Allowance vs Allowance for Survivor

References

• Allowance for people aged 60 to 64
• Allowance for the Survivor

Priority

Medium - Part of OAS program suite, affects seniors approaching retirement