55 PLUS is a Manitoba income supplement for lower-income people aged 55 and older. It is paid four times a year, and each payment covers three months. If you get the federal Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) or the Allowance, you are assessed automatically and don’t need to apply.
How much you’ll get
| Who | Maximum every three months | Works out to about |
|---|---|---|
| Single person | $161.80 | $53.93 a month, $647.20 a year |
| Each person in a married or common-law couple | $173.90 | $57.97 a month each, $695.60 a year each |
These are the maximums Manitoba lists for the benefit year that runs April 1 to March 31. Most people get less than the maximum.
How your amount is worked out depends on which part of the program you are in:
- Junior Component (55 or older, not getting OAS benefits): partial benefits are paid to singles with net income up to $9,746.40 a year and to couples with family income up to $16,255.20. The lower your income, the more you get.
- Senior Component (getting OAS benefits): your amount is based on your family situation, your net family income, and the type and level of GIS, Allowance or Allowance for the Survivor you get.
Example: A married couple who both qualify for the maximum get $173.90 each per quarter, or $347.80 together, which adds up to $1,391.20 a year.
If your income is a little above the limit, Manitoba encourages you to apply anyway, because some deductions from gross income are allowed.
Who qualifies
- You are 55 or older.
- You live in Manitoba and have a valid Manitoba Health registration number.
- Your net income from the previous tax year is within the program’s limits.
- You are not on Employment and Income Assistance (EIA). If you get only EIA health benefits, you may still qualify.
How to apply
If you get OAS benefits (GIS, the Allowance or the Allowance for the Survivor), you don’t need to apply. Manitoba decides your eligibility from your federal benefits. Keep filing your tax return every year so your GIS stays up to date.
If you don’t get OAS benefits yet, you must apply, and you must apply again every year:
- Download the 55 PLUS application form or ask the 55 PLUS office to mail you one.
- Fill it in and bring it to Provincial Services at 100 – 114 Garry Street, Winnipeg, or fax it to the number on the form.
- You can apply any time during the benefit year. Your first payment includes the three-month period in which your application is approved.
If you are refused, you can appeal in writing to the Social Services Appeal Board.
What changed in 2026
- Payment systems update. Manitoba has posted a notice that it is updating the computer systems that pay 55 PLUS, and that cheques could take longer than normal. It asks everyone to switch to direct deposit.
- Higher federal benefits. OAS and GIS rose 1.2% for July to September 2026, which matters because the Senior Component is tied to your GIS.
- Groceries benefit. The GST/HST credit became the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit in July 2026, with a 25% increase.
Payment late, missing or different?
55 PLUS is paid in late April, July, October and January. Manitoba doesn’t publish exact payment days, and benefits are mailed unless you have direct deposit, so allow for mail time. Common reasons for a late or missing payment:
- a cheque delayed in the mail, especially while Manitoba updates its payment systems
- a change of address that Provincial Services doesn’t have
- a new benefit year (April) when you are on the Junior Component and haven’t reapplied
- a change in your GIS or Allowance, which changes your Senior Component amount
To avoid mail delays, sign up for direct deposit. Take the direct deposit form to your bank to fill in, then give it to Provincial Services in person or by mail.
For questions, contact Provincial Services at 204-948-7368 or toll-free 1-877-587-6224, weekdays 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, or email [email protected].
Watch for scams. The government never asks for fees, gift cards or passwords by text or email. If someone contacts you about your benefits, hang up and call the numbers above yourself.
Other help you might be missing
- Guaranteed Income Supplement: the main federal top-up for low-income seniors 65 and older. Getting it also qualifies you for 55 PLUS automatically.
- The Allowance: for people 60 to 64 whose spouse gets GIS, or who are widowed.
- Rent Assist: help with rent for low-income private renters, including people not on EIA.
- Pharmacare: Manitoba’s drug program for people whose income is hit hard by prescription costs. Call 1-800-297-8099.
Common questions
When is the 55 PLUS payment?
Four times a year, in late April, July, October and January. Manitoba doesn’t publish the exact days.
How much is 55 PLUS?
Up to $161.80 every three months for a single person and up to $173.90 every three months for each person in a couple.
Do I need to apply for 55 PLUS every year?
Only if you don’t get federal OAS benefits. If you get GIS or the Allowance, it is automatic.
Can I get 55 PLUS if I’m on EIA?
No, unless you get only the health benefits part of EIA.
Is 55 PLUS only for seniors?
No. You can qualify from age 55 through the Junior Component, as long as your income is under the limit.