Yukon Senior Tax Credits & Benefits Guide (2025)
This authoritative guide covers all Yukon senior tax credits, supplements, and property grants—plus how to stack them with key federal benefits. Whether you're a long-time Yukon resident or new to the Territory, discover how to maximize your tax savings and retirement security.
Yukon offers a unique blend of senior tax credits and supports, tailored to the needs of its residents. From the territorial age amount to the Yukon Senior Supplement and property tax grants, seniors here can benefit from both local and federal credits. This page details who qualifies, how to claim, how to combine credits, avoid common errors, and where to find more resources for Yukon seniors.
Introduction: Why Yukon Seniors Should Maximize Their Credits
Yukon stands out in Canada for its generous senior supports—combining territorial and federal credits for optimal tax reduction and direct benefits. If you're age 65 or over (or turning 65 this tax year), a Yukon resident, and a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you're likely eligible for several valuable credits. Even newcomers and those who moved mid-year may qualify for partial benefits.
This guide covers everything from the Yukon and federal age amounts, senior supplement, property tax grants, to medical and disability credits. You'll learn how to claim each, stack them for maximum value, and avoid common mistakes that could trigger a CRA review. Use this resource as your annual Yukon senior tax credit checklist.
Overview of Yukon Senior Credits & Benefits
Yukon seniors can access a range of tax credits and benefits, including:
Quick List of Main Yukon Senior Credits:
- Yukon Age Amount (territorial tax credit for age 65+)
- Pension Income Amount (for those with eligible pension income)
- Yukon Senior Supplement (monthly cash supplement for low-income seniors)
- Yukon Property Tax Grant/Home Owner Grant (for senior homeowners & some renters)
- Medical Expense Tax Credit (territorial & federal portions)
- Disability Tax Credit (DTC) (territorial & federal portions)
Eligibility depends on age, residency, income, pension status, and other factors.
Who Qualifies as a Yukon Senior?
"Senior" for Yukon tax purposes: Anyone age 65 or over (or turning 65 by December 31 of the tax year), who is a Yukon resident for tax purposes, and a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Some credits (like the supplement) may have additional requirements.
- Residency: Must be a Yukon resident as of December 31, or for the portion of the year you lived in Yukon.
- Newcomers: If you move to Yukon during the year, you may claim credits for the part of the year you were resident. Keep your moving documentation.
- Income: Some credits are income-tested (e.g., supplement, property grant), while others (age amount) phase out at higher incomes.
- Documentation: Keep a government-issued ID, proof of Yukon address (e.g., Yukon health card, utility bill), and any federal tax slips.
Tip: If you turn 65 mid-year, you still qualify for the age amount for the entire tax year.
Key Yukon Senior Credits & Benefits
Yukon Age Amount
- Eligibility: Age 65+ (or turning 65 during the year), Yukon resident, income-tested (phased out at higher incomes).
- How to Claim: Claim on your Yukon tax return (T1, Form YT428, Line 5808). Amount is indexed annually; see the CRA/Yukon tables for the latest figure.
- Documentation: Birthdate on file with CRA; retain Yukon ID for your records.
- Tip: If you have a spouse/common-law partner, both may claim if eligible, but not for the same person.
Pension Income Amount
- Eligibility: Yukon resident with qualifying pension income (e.g., RRIF, private pensions, not OAS/GIS or CPP/QPP).
- How to Claim: Claim on Yukon Form YT428, Line 5832; federal amount on Line 31400. Check T4A, T4RIF, T4P slips for amounts.
- Tips: Consider pension income splitting to maximize credits between spouses.
Yukon Senior Supplement
- Eligibility: Yukon resident age 65+, receiving federal Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), and meets income thresholds.
- How to Claim: No separate application—automatically paid monthly if you receive GIS and reside in Yukon. Ensure your OAS/GIS address is current.
- Tips: File your return on time and update the federal government of any address changes.
Yukon Property Tax Grant & Home Owner Grant
- Eligibility: Yukon seniors who own (or in some cases rent) and occupy their principal residence in Yukon. Additional income limits may apply for maximum grant.
- How to Claim: Apply annually through the Yukon government or your municipality. Provide proof of age, home ownership/rent, and residency.
- Tips: Keep property tax bills, proof of payment, and grant approval letters for your records.
Medical Expense Tax Credit (Yukon & Federal)
- Eligibility: Yukon residents with out-of-pocket medical expenses above the lower of 3% of net income or a set threshold (indexed annually).
- How to Claim: Claim on Yukon form YT428 (Line 5872) and federal return (Line 33099/33199). Save all medical receipts and prescriptions.
- Tips: You can claim for yourself, spouse, or dependents; choose any 12-month period ending in the tax year.
Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
- Eligibility: Seniors with a severe and prolonged disability, certified by a medical practitioner on Form T2201, approved by CRA.
- How to Claim: Claim on Yukon form YT428 (Line 5840) and federal return (Line 31600); unused amounts may be transferred to a supporting spouse or relative.
- Tips: Combine with other credits (age amount, medical) for maximum benefit. See our Disability Tax Credit Guide for more.
Other Yukon Programs for Seniors
- Fuel or Heating Rebates: Some Yukon seniors may qualify for energy/fuel rebates. See the Yukon government site for current details and eligibility.
How to Claim Yukon Senior Credits
- Yukon Age Amount & Pension Income: Claimed directly on your T1 tax return, Yukon Form YT428 (Lines 5808, 5832).
- Senior Supplement: Paid automatically if you receive GIS/OAS and reside in Yukon; no action required but keep your address current.
- Property Tax/Grant: Apply annually through the Yukon government or your local municipality; submit required proof.
- Medical/Disability Credits: Complete relevant sections on your federal and Yukon return; keep all receipts and medical forms.
- Documentation: Retain T4A, T4OAS, T4RIF, T4P slips, medical receipts, disability approval letters, property tax bills, and all grant correspondence.
Tip: Use tax software or a professional if you have multiple credits or complex tax situations. Always review your return for missed credits!
Stacking Yukon & Federal Senior Credits
Yukon seniors can combine ("stack") territorial and federal credits for maximum tax reduction and cash benefits. Most credits are designed to work together, provided you meet eligibility for each. For example:
- Federal Age Amount (Line 30100) + Yukon Age Amount (YT428 Line 5808)
- Pension Income Splitting (federal and Yukon portions)
- Old Age Security (OAS) & Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS): Not taxable, but eligibility may affect Yukon Senior Supplement
- Disability Tax Credit (DTC): Both federal and Yukon credits can be claimed together
- Medical Expense Tax Credit: Claim both portions for the same expenses
Example: Mrs. Smith (age 70, Yukon resident, low income, approved for DTC) claims both the Yukon and federal age amounts, medical expenses, and the DTC. She also receives the Yukon Senior Supplement. Her tax bill is reduced to almost zero, plus she receives monthly supplement payments.
Related: Learn more about federal senior credits and stacking strategies.
For other Yukon personal credits, see the Yukon Individual Tax Credits Directory.
Be sure to review the BC, Alberta, and other territorial/provincial senior pages if you moved in or out of Yukon during the tax year.
Documentation, Audit Risk & Error Prevention
- Keep organized records: Store all tax slips, property tax bills, medical receipts, and government letters in a safe place. Digital backups are recommended.
- Retain paperwork for at least 6 years in case of a CRA or Yukon government audit.
- Common audit triggers: Missing or mismatched tax slips, double-claiming credits (e.g., spouses both claiming for same expense), inconsistent income reporting, and failing to update your address or marital status.
- How to avoid errors: Double-check every line, use tax software, and consult a tax professional for complex situations.
- If audited: Respond promptly to all CRA or Yukon requests. Provide clear, organized copies of requested documents.
Tip: Don’t forget to update your address with both CRA and the Yukon government if you move—this affects supplement, property grant, and other payments.
Practical Yukon Senior Scenarios
Scenario 1: Single Yukon Senior Renter
Joe, 68, rents an apartment in Whitehorse and receives OAS, GIS, and a small private pension. He claims the Yukon and federal age amounts, receives the Senior Supplement automatically, and claims medical expenses. Joe also applies for any available municipal rent support.
Joe, 68, rents an apartment in Whitehorse and receives OAS, GIS, and a small private pension. He claims the Yukon and federal age amounts, receives the Senior Supplement automatically, and claims medical expenses. Joe also applies for any available municipal rent support.
Scenario 2: Married Yukon Seniors (Homeowners)
Linda (66) and George (69) own their home. George splits his pension with Linda, both claim the age amount, and they apply jointly for the Yukon Property Tax Grant. They coordinate their medical and disability claims for maximum benefit.
Linda (66) and George (69) own their home. George splits his pension with Linda, both claim the age amount, and they apply jointly for the Yukon Property Tax Grant. They coordinate their medical and disability claims for maximum benefit.
Scenario 3: Yukon Senior with Disability
Anna, 72, is approved for the Disability Tax Credit. She claims both the federal and Yukon DTC, medical expenses, and receives the Yukon Senior Supplement. Anna’s tax bill is reduced, and her supplement increases due to her low income.
Anna, 72, is approved for the Disability Tax Credit. She claims both the federal and Yukon DTC, medical expenses, and receives the Yukon Senior Supplement. Anna’s tax bill is reduced, and her supplement increases due to her low income.
Tip: Every senior’s situation is unique. Review all available credits and benefits annually to maximize your refund and support.
Frequently Asked Questions: Yukon Senior Credits
Who qualifies for the Yukon age amount credit?
Anyone age 65 or older (or turning 65 by December 31 of the tax year), who is a Yukon resident and a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Income phase-outs apply at higher incomes—review your return or CRA tables for up-to-date thresholds.
Can I claim both Yukon and federal disability tax credits at once?
Yes. If you're approved for the federal Disability Tax Credit (DTC) via Form T2201, you can claim both the federal and Yukon portions on your tax return. This can significantly reduce your tax bill. Unused amounts may be transferred to a spouse or supporting relative.
What counts as pension income for senior credits?
Eligible pension income includes private pensions, RRIF withdrawals, certain annuities, and more. Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) are not eligible for the pension income amount. Review your T4A, T4RIF, and T4P slips for details.
How do I avoid common audit issues with Yukon senior claims?
Keep all documentation (tax slips, receipts, medical forms, property tax bills), avoid double-claiming credits between spouses, check all amounts for accuracy, and update your address with the CRA and Yukon government. Respond promptly to any audit requests with organized records.
Are low-income Yukon seniors eligible for extra supplements?
Yes. Low-income seniors who receive OAS and GIS and live in Yukon are automatically eligible for the Yukon Senior Supplement, paid monthly. File your taxes and keep your information up to date to ensure payment.
How do I claim medical expenses as a Yukon senior?
Claim eligible out-of-pocket medical expenses on both your Yukon (Form YT428, Line 5872) and federal return (Line 33099/33199). Retain all receipts and prescriptions. You can claim for yourself, your spouse, and dependents. Consider grouping expenses into a 12-month period ending in the tax year for maximum benefit.
Can a senior moving to Yukon mid-year claim all credits?
You may be eligible for partial credits based on your residency period. Claim credits for the portion of the year you were a Yukon resident. Provide proof of move date and update your address with both the CRA and Yukon government.
Resources & Further Reading
- Yukon Government – Seniors Benefits
- Yukon Seniors Property Tax Grant
- CRA – Pension Income Amount
- OAS/GIS – Government of Canada
- Yukon Individual Tax Credits Directory
- Canada-Wide Individual Tax Credits
- BC Senior Credits
- Alberta Senior Credits
- Disability Tax Credit Guide
- Medical Expense Tax Credits
Check each link for the most current eligibility and claim information.