Administers various income security programs and programs for persons with disabilities

Public Pensions:

Canada Pension Plan (CPP) - Monthly benefit paid to people who have contributed to the CPP * qualify for a CPP retirement pension or a reduced pension if you have made at least one valid contribution (payment) to the Plan; if you are at least 60 years of age; and meet the earning requirements set out in the legislation * additional benefits include:

• Death Benefit - Lump sum benefit paid to the estate of a deceased contributor who has made sufficient CPP contributions
• Survivor's Pension - Monthly pension paid to the surviving spouse or common-law partner of a deceased contributor
• Children's Benefit - Monthly benefit for dependent children of a deceased contributor

Old Age Security (OAS) - Monthly benefits for most Canadians 65 years of age or over * programs provide additional money for seniors with a low income:

• Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) - For OAS pensioners
• Allowance - For spouses/common-law partners of GIS recipients 60-64 years
• Allowance for the Survivor - For widowed spouses/common-law partners 60-64 years

International Benefits - People who lived or worked in another country may be eligible for old age, retirement, disability or survivor benefits from that country, from Canada, or from both

Persons with Disabilities:

Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefit - Monthly benefit paid to a contributor who is under 65 years, has made sufficient CPP contributions and is deemed disabled according to CPP legislation * the pension consists of a flat rate portion and an earnings related portion * also monthly benefits for the contributor's dependent children under 18 years and dependents 18-25 years in full time attendance at school

Opportunities Fund for Persons With Disabilities - Assists persons with disabilities to prepare for and obtain employment or self-employment as well as to develop the skills necessary to maintain that new employment * funding may be provided to cover costs such as participant wages or related employer costs; and funding may also be provided to cover overhead costs related to planning, organizing, operating, delivering and evaluating approved activities, including costs such as staff wages and employment related costs * eligible expenses will be negotiated with program officials