Understand the different rules if you’re a sponsored immigrant
Question & Answer
What government benefits are there for seniors other than OAS?Sponsored immigrants are generally not able to get the , the , or the , while their is still valid.
Your sponsorship undertaking refers to how long the person who sponsored you is financially responsible for you.
If your spouse or sponsored you, the length of your sponsorship undertaking is 3 years from when you became a . So you won't be able to get the GIS or the Allowance until those 3 years are up.
If your child or grandchild sponsored you, the length of your sponsorship undertaking is 20 years from when you became a permanent resident. So you won't be able to get the GIS or the Allowance until those 20 years are up.
There a few situations where you may be able to get the GIS and the Allowance, even if your sponsorship undertaking is still valid. Some examples are:
- your sponsor dies
- your sponsor is bankrupt
- your sponsor is in prison for more than 6 months
- your sponsor is convicted of abusing you
Getting legal help
Try to get legal help if you're not sure if you're eligible for the GIS, the Allowance, or the Allowance for Survivor. A community legal clinic might be able to help you or refer you to someone who can.
