LETTER

Pandemic help for seniors coming 

Seniors suffer some of the most negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Staying home adds expenses. Deliveries come at a premium and some groceries are costing more. Prescription fees have increased.

The Government of Canada responded early. In April, over 4 million low- and middle-income seniors received a supplementary GST Credit automatically in their bank accounts. 

More help came this summer. A one-time, tax-free payment will be made on the week of July 6. This  will provide $2.5 billion for 6.7 million seniors eligible for Old Age Security, with extra for the most vulnerable. For a low-income couple on GIS, the April and July payments are over $1,500.

To prevent fraud and ease payment, this is automatic, without any need to apply. Seniors should not share personal or banking information to receive it.

This complements other federal support for seniors -- for charities and community groups providing services like grocery delivery and community projects helping reduce isolation.

We will continue looking at ideas on how we can better help seniors. 

Deb Schulte,  Canada’s Minister 

for Seniors, Ottawa