Newfoundland and Labrador Seniors' Benefit payments in the mail this week

Approximately 31,000 seniors will receive the Newfoundland and Labrador Seniors' Benefit this week. Cheques will be mailed on October 5 along with GST/HST credit and Newfoundland HST credit payments. Individuals with direct deposit to bank accounts will receive their benefit on October 5 as well.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Seniors' Benefit, first introduced in 1999, was increased this year to $300 from $200. In addition, seniors with a family net income of $14,000 or less will receive the full benefit, compared to the previous threshold of $12,000. Qualifying families with net income between $14,000 and $20,000 will get part of the benefit.

Social assistance recipients who qualify for the seniors' benefit should note that this payment will not cause a reduction in their social assistance benefits.

Seniors do not need to apply for the benefit as long as they, or their spouse, filed their most recent income tax return and applied for the federal GST/HST credit.

Media contact: Lynn Barter, Communications, (709) 729-0329.

2001 10 04                         12:05 p.m.