Low-income seniors in Canada have access to a range of provincial benefits aimed at supplementing their income and improving their quality of life. Below is an in-depth look at programs across provinces and territories.
British Columbia: Seniors Supplement and SAFER Program
Seniors Supplement
- Eligibility: Must receive Old Age Security (OAS) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).
- Automatic Enrollment: No application is needed; payments are based on tax returns.
- Amount: Decreases with higher private income and GIS levels.
SAFER (Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters)
- Purpose: Helps low-income seniors with rent costs.
- Requirements: Income thresholds apply, saving eligible seniors on monthly rent.
Alberta: Alberta Seniors Benefit
Eligibility Criteria
- Aged 65 or older.
- Resident of Alberta for at least three months.
- Must receive OAS and meet income thresholds.
Features
- Income Consideration: All sources, including the Registered Disability Savings Plan, affect eligibility.
- Amount: Adjusted based on annual income, marital status, and age.
Saskatchewan: Seniors Income Plan (SIP)
Eligibility
- Aged 65+ and a permanent resident of Saskatchewan.
- Must receive full or partial OAS and GIS.
Features
- Automatic Enrollment: Starts with OAS approval.
- Payment Amounts: Vary based on age, marital status, and income level.
Manitoba: Employment and Income Assistance 55 Plus Program
Eligibility
- Automatically enrolled if receiving OAS.
- Manual application is required for those not on OAS.
Features
- Benefit Period: April 1 to March 31.
- Purpose: Provides supplemental income for seniors.
New Brunswick: Annual Low-Income Seniors Benefit
Eligibility
- Residents as of December 31, 2023.
- Must receive federal GIS, Survivor Allowance, or Federal Allowance.
Features
- Benefit Amount: $600 annually.
- One Per Household: Only one payment is provided if multiple seniors qualify.
Nova Scotia: Low-Income Seniors Grant
Features
- Amount: $750 grant for household, healthcare, and heating costs.
- Eligible Expenses: Include grocery delivery, medication delivery, outdoor work, and minor home repairs.
- Receipts: May be required for some claims.
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Newfoundland and Labrador: Seniors Benefit
Features
- Eligibility: Seniors aged 64+ with net income under $29,402 receive maximum benefit.
- Payment Schedule: Quarterly installments (January, April, July, October).
- Maximum Benefit: $1,526, tapering off at $42,404 income.
Nunavut: Senior Citizen Supplementary Benefit
Features
- Eligibility: Age 60+, receiving GIS or Spouse’s Allowance.
- Amount: $300 monthly, automatically added to OAS cheques.
Northwest Territories: Senior Citizen Supplementary Benefit
Features
- Eligibility: Must receive GIS, OAS, or Spouse’s Allowance.
- Amount: $196 monthly, integrated with federal payments.
Yukon: Seniors Income Supplement
Features
- Eligibility: Seniors aged 65+ receiving GIS or related allowances.
- Amount: $288.61 monthly, calculated based on GIS levels.
Prince Edward Island: Seniors Independence Initiative
Eligibility
- Aged 65+, living alone or with a spouse.
- Income limits: $32,753 (single) or $41,970 (couples).
- Total assets must not exceed $100,000.
Features
- Maximum Benefit: $1,800 annually.
- Approved Services: Include housekeeping, meal prep, grass cutting, and transportation.
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Each province and territory tailors its program to meet the unique needs of its seniors, ensuring they can maintain a dignified and independent lifestyle. Seniors are encouraged to explore these options based on their residency and eligibility.
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