Low-income seniors in Ontario can expect several helpful financial benefits this May 2025 to support their everyday living expenses. With rising costs of living, these payments provide much-needed relief, ensuring seniors have access to income support, housing assistance, and essential health services. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of all the provincial and federal financial benefits coming for Ontario’s low-income seniors this month.
Table of Contents
1. Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS)
What is GAINS?
The Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS) is a monthly payment provided by the Ontario government to ensure low-income seniors receive a minimum guaranteed income.
Who qualifies for GAINS?
- Must be 65 years of age or older
- Must be an Ontario resident
- Must receive Old Age Security (OAS) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
- Must have lived in Ontario for the past 12 months or for a total of 20 years since turning 18
How much will you get?
Eligible seniors can receive up to $87 per month, depending on their private income sources.
May 2025 Payment Date:
May 25, 2025
GAINS Payment Coming in May 2025: Who’s Eligible, How Much You’ll Get, and When It Arrives
$3,247 CRA Direct Deposit Payment for Seniors in May 2025: Payment Dates & Eligibility
How Much CPP Will Increase in May 2025: Bigger Payments Coming for These Canadians
2. Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)
What is the Ontario Trillium Benefit?
This benefit combines three different credits into a single monthly payment:
- Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC)
- Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC)
- Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC)
Who qualifies for OTB?
- Must be a resident of Ontario
- Must have filed a 2023 tax return
- Must have paid property tax or rent for a principal residence in Ontario in 2024
How much can you receive?
The amount varies by credit type and personal income. Seniors aged 65+ may receive over $100 per month depending on eligibility.
May 2025 Payment Date:
May 9, 2025
3. Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
What are OAS and GIS?
OAS is a monthly federal pension available to most Canadians aged 65 or older. GIS is an additional, non-taxable supplement for low-income seniors who receive OAS.
Eligibility for OAS:
- Must be 65 or older
- Must be a Canadian citizen or legal resident
- Must have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18
Eligibility for GIS:
- Must receive OAS
- Must have low or no income apart from OAS
How much can you receive?
Amounts vary based on income, but GIS can add hundreds of dollars monthly for those with the lowest incomes.
May 2025 Payment Date:
May 28, 2025
4. Ontario Senior Homeowners’ Property Tax Grant (OSHPTG)
What is OSHPTG?
This grant helps senior homeowners with the cost of property taxes.
Eligibility:
- Must be 64 or older
- Must reside in Ontario
- Must have paid property tax for your principal residence in 2024
- Must have annual income below a set threshold
How much can you receive?
Eligible seniors can get up to $500 per year.
How to Apply:
Apply by filing your income tax and benefit return and completing the ON-BEN application form.
5. Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program
What does it cover?
This program provides free dental care for low-income seniors.
Eligibility:
- Must be 65 years or older
- Must have an annual income of $22,200 or less (single), or $37,100 or less (couple)
Services Covered:
- Examinations
- X-rays
- Preventive services (cleanings, fluoride)
- Restorative services (fillings)
- Prosthodontics (dentures)
6. OHIP-Covered Eye Exams
What is Covered?
Seniors aged 65 and older are eligible for a free eye exam once every 12 months under OHIP.
Included Services:
- Vision assessment
- Prescription checks
- Eye health examination
- Monitoring for conditions like cataracts or glaucoma
May 2025 Benefit Payment Summary
| Benefit Program | May 2025 Payment Date |
|---|---|
| Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) | May 9, 2025 |
| GAINS (Guaranteed Annual Income) | May 25, 2025 |
| OAS & GIS | May 28, 2025 |
Final Reminders for Ontario Seniors
- Make sure your 2023 tax return is filed — most benefits rely on it.
- Double-check that your personal information (address, bank account, marital status) is updated with the CRA and provincial services.
- Don’t miss out on valuable benefits by assuming you don’t qualify — even partial payments can add up.
Stay Informed and Get What You Deserve
Ontario’s low-income seniors are entitled to vital support programs, especially in times of inflation and rising living costs. Whether it’s monthly income supplements, tax relief, or free healthcare services, knowing what’s available — and when it’s coming — is the first step to financial stability.