Seniors’ Benefit Program Stronger than Ever

The Provincial Government continues its commitment to assisting seniors by once again providing the Low Income Seniors’ Benefit this year. The program has expanded significantly under the current government having increased in value from just $7.5 million in 2003 to an estimated $36 million this year. As a result, this year’s maximum payment to seniors is unprecedented at $946.

“We recognize that running a household on a low income can be challenging for anyone, including seniors,” said the Honourable Tom Marshall, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board. “With an estimated 45,000 individuals or couples qualifying this year and with the maximum payment rising again, the Low Income Seniors’ Benefit has become an increasingly important program for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”

The seniors’ benefit provides a payment to all seniors with a low income, whether single or as a couple as long as an annual tax return has been filed. To qualify, a person must turn 65 years old by December 31, 2012 and have earned a maximum net household income of $35,611 during the 2011 tax year. Those with a net household income of $27,515 or less receive the top benefit.

Payments for those who qualify for the Low Income Senior’s Benefit were automatically issued in October either by cheque or direct deposit. If a resident has not already received their payment for this year, they are encouraged to contact the Canada Revenue Agency toll-free at 1-800-959-1953. Further information including eligibility requirements can be found on the Department of Finance’s website at www.gov.nl.ca/fin.

Minister Marshall will discuss the Low Income Seniors’ Benefit as well as other initiatives that the province has implemented for seniors when he addresses the Humber Valley Senior Citizens Club at their 30th Anniversary Dinner this evening, Tuesday, November 13. The event begins at 5:00 p.m. at the Senior Citizens Club, 14 Tenth Avenue, Pasadena.

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Media contact:
Luke Joyce
Director of Communications
Department of Finance
709-729-6830, 725-4165
lukejoyce@gov.nl.ca

2012 11 13             10:55 a.m.