Seniors Employment, Volunteering & Financial Supports

Employment Services

The City of Toronto offers support and resources to help find employment in Toronto. People age 45 or older may qualify for additional support, workshops or training courses through Ontario Works (OW) or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP).

More employment resources:

• Employment Ontario – Get advice and help to build new skills and find a job.
• 211 – Find the community-based employment support organization.
• How to Start a Business – Get step-by-step information on starting a business in Toronto and have questions answered by the City’s small business advisors.

Volunteer & Get Involved

Volunteer Opportunities

There are many opportunities get involved in order to make our city a better place for all to live, work, learn and play. See open opportunities to volunteer with the City.

You can also volunteer to help deliver Toronto Public Library programs, including Adult Literacy. Support may be available to help volunteers pay for transit.

Public Consultations

Residents can also participate in public consultations on local and City-wide subjects. See a list of currently open surveys and upcoming opportunities on the Public Engagement Calendar.

Public Appointments

Help deliver City programs and special events, or serve on City boards, committees or tribunals, including the Toronto Seniors’ Forum. See current appointment opportunities and find out how you can help shape your city.

You can also volunteer to join Toronto Police Service Consultative Committees to add your voice to policing issues such as training, recruiting, professional standards, and community mobilization.

Find more opportunities with Volunteer Toronto.

Benefits Finders

Use federal, Provincial and City “Benefit Finder” tools to find financial benefits for residents living on a low income, including for employment and housing.

• City of Toronto Benefit Finder – Search for services, benefits and subsidies from all three levels of government that are provided through the City of Toronto.
• Canada Benefits Finder – Search for benefits provided by the Government of Canada.
• Ontario Benefit Finder – Search for government benefits provided by the Province of Ontario.
• Prosper Canada Benefits Wayfinder – Search for federal and provincial government benefits, and community organizations that can provide help.

Government Pension Programs

To receive government pension benefits, it is important to apply for some of these programs directly and to file your income taxes.

Federal Pension Services & Benefits

• Canada Pension Plan (CPP) – This monthly taxable benefit is based on how long a person has worked and paid into the CPP in their lifetime. Each person and their family may also qualify for Disability Benefits, Children’s Benefits, a Survivor’s Pension, or a Death Benefit. Contact Service Canada or the Pension Call Centre at 1-800-277-9914 to check.
• Old Age Security (OAS) pension – A person may quality for this monthly taxable benefit if they are aged 65+, have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18 years old, and are a Canadian citizen or legal resident. A spouse or common-law partner (aged 60 to 64) may be eligible for an Allowance, and a widowed spouse or common-law partner (aged 60 to 64) may be eligible for an Allowance for the Survivor.
• International Pension / Social Security Programs – A person who has lived or worked in Canada and in another country can call to check if they qualify for a government pension and benefits from either country. A survivor of this person can also call to check if they qualify.
• Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) Seniors aged 65 and older who receive Old Age Security (OAS) pension may be eligible to apply for this monthly payment. To get more information, call Service Canada at 1-800-277-9914.
• Get help registering or applying for government programs through Service Canada, update personal information, or replace ID issued by the Government of Canada such as a passport, citizenship card, or permanent resident card.

Provincial Pension Services & Benefits

• Ontario Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS) – This monthly, non-taxable benefit for Ontario seniors living on a low income is based on a person’s income tax return. Once a person starts receiving OAS and GIS, they will automatically be assessed for eligibility so there is no need to apply.
• Get help to register or apply for provincial programs through Service Ontario, and update or replace ID issued by the Government of Ontario such as an Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card, Driver’s License, Birth Certificate, or Ontario Photo Card.

Trustee Programs

Trustee programs can help a person manage their money. There are two types of financial trustee programs: government-appointed and voluntary.

Government-Appointed Trustee Program

The Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee assesses if a person is able to manage their finances. If they are unable and do not have anyone to act on their behalf, the Office will appoint a trustee who will help them manage their income, prepare income taxes, arrange to pay their bills, and issue them an allowance.

Voluntary Trustee Programs

Search 211 to find a community organization that offers a Voluntary Trustee program that will help them manage their money, help them budget, arrange to pay their rent, and apply for benefits. There may be a waiting list. A person does not need to be assessed by the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee to apply for other trustee programs.