Help with Pensions & Benefits in Surrey
Many seniors and families miss out on money they are entitled to because the forms are hard to follow. Surrey Speaks volunteers help residents apply for federal and BC benefits — with no service fees, in Punjabi, Hindi or English.
What we can help with
- Canada Pension Plan (CPP) — retirement, survivor and disability
- Old Age Security (OAS) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
- Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
- GST/HST credit
- BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) enrolment
- Fair PharmaCare registration
- BC Home Owner Grant
- Setting up your My Service Canada Account and CRA My Account
How it works
- Ask for helpRequest help using our short online form, or message us on WhatsApp.
- A volunteer contacts youA volunteer contacts you, usually within a few days, and tells you exactly which documents to bring.
- We help you applyWe help you complete and check your application. You submit it and pay any official fees directly.
What to have ready
- Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Photo ID
- Bank details for direct deposit
- Your latest tax return or Notice of Assessment
- For the Canada Child Benefit: your children’s birth certificates
- For newcomers: your PR card or permit
Good to know
- There are no service fees for our help. Government benefits never cost money to apply for.
- Many benefits — including the Canada Child Benefit, the GST/HST credit and GIS — depend on you filing your taxes every year.
- Only the government office handling your application decides on it.
Common questions
I am turning 65 — what should I apply for?
Usually Old Age Security, and the Guaranteed Income Supplement if your income is low. CPP retirement must be applied for separately. A volunteer can check what you qualify for.
Do I need to file taxes to get benefits?
For most benefits, yes — even if you had little or no income.
Do you charge anything?
No. There are no service fees for our help.
Ready to get started?
Tell us what you need and a volunteer will contact you.
Surrey Speaks is a volunteer-run community initiative, not a government office. We help you fill in forms correctly; decisions are made only by the government office handling your application. Please do not send ID documents through this website. Looking for other help? See all our services.