turning 65 and owing child support?

Through our partnership with the St. Mike's Family Health Team (the Health Justice Program), we have observed that child support "payors" turning 65 find their old age income (OAS/CPP) garnished at 50%. This comes as quite a shock after years of being on social assistance, which was not garnished.

Resolving this issue requires lots of patience and paperwork; effectively payors have to return to court to get the earlier child support Order changed. We believe the legal regime - while set up to ensure children and their primary caregivers get the financial support they need - is punishing for dads with disabilities. Please see this slidedeck presentation (approx. 30 mins) in which we share what we have learned in helping folks navigate this issue.

​We hope this helps service providers working with older men to issue spot and connect their clients/neighbours to appropriate resources before turning 65, when this sudden income garnishment creates cascading crises.