Senior citizens

Most elderly people who immigrate leave their country of origin to join a son or daughter living in Québec. Since many of them feel uprooted in their new surroundings, they usually appreciate meeting fellow countrymen in a community setting. Both immigrant and non-immigrant seniors need special care and attention because of their health or loss of financial or physical independence. Health and social service centres (CSSSs) can provide access to many services for seniors, such as homecare. Seniors are also entitled to financial benefits:

• services at reduced rates or free of charge
• government pension and retirement plans or benefits, under certain conditions.

In various ways, the Régie des rentes du Québec (RRQ - Québec pension board) and income security programs of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada also help ensure that seniors and retirees have a decent minimum income.

If you or your spouse have paid into a pension plan in a country that has signed a social security agreement with Québec, you may also be entitled to a retirement, disability, survivor or orphan's pension from that country. For more information, contact the RRQ.

	PRACTICAL ADVICE
	Find out about organized activities for seniors at your community of origin organizations. Visit your local CSSS to learn more about services available to seniors.

Useful links

• Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
• Ministère de la Famille et des Aînés
• Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux
  Centres de santé et de services sociaux (CSSS)
• Régie des rentes du Québec