Rajesh, 62, has an eligible spouse, Priya, 57, who is not receiving any government benefits. Rajesh earns $1,500/month from a private pension, and Priya earns $500/month from a part-time job. Rajesh plans to defer his OAS until age 67. Can Rajesh's spouse Priya be eligible for the spousal Allowance Benefit?

Question: Rajesh, 62, has an eligible spouse, Priya, 57, who is not receiving any government benefits. Rajesh earns $1,500/month from a private pension, and Priya earns $500/month from a part-time job. Rajesh plans to defer his OAS until age 67. Can Rajesh's spouse Priya be eligible for the spousal Allowance Benefit?

Answer options: ✅ No, because Rajesh has not yet started receiving his OAS pension.

• Yes, because Priya is between 60 and 64 years old and meets income requirements.
• No, because Rajesh is deferring his OAS benefits.
• Yes, but only if Rajesh has zero other income.

Correct answer: No, because Rajesh has not yet started receiving his OAS pension.

Explanation: To be eligible for the federal Allowance benefit, the spouse/common-law partner must be aged 60-64, and their spouse (the OAS recipient) must be receiving the OAS pension. Since Rajesh is deferring his OAS, Priya is not eligible for the Allowance.