Finance
Children, Seniors and Social Development
October 4, 2016
Supporting Our Citizens
Residents to Receive First Payment of the Newfoundland and Labrador Income Supplement
To support low income seniors, individuals, families and persons with disabilities, the first payment for the new Newfoundland and Labrador Income Supplement, as well as the enhanced Newfoundland and Labrador Seniors' Benefit, will be issued this week. Direct deposit payments will be made on October 5, the same day cheques will be sent in the mail. These programs are part of a $76.4 million investment in Budget 2016.
"Our government understands the importance of having the appropriate supports in place to protect our low income
seniors, families and individuals, especially in the face of the fiscal circumstances our province is facing.
The new Newfoundland and Labrador Income Supplement and the enhanced Seniors' Benefit programs were both designed
for this reason and I am proud that we are able to offer this support to those who need it most."
- The Honourable Cathy Bennett, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board
Qualified individuals do not need to apply and will automatically receive the benefit – eligibility is determined based on their 2015 income tax information. Both the Newfoundland and Labrador Seniors' Benefit and Newfoundland and Labrador Income Supplement will be added to the recipient's GST credit cheque or direct deposit payment. The first two payments will be issued on October 5. After that, payments will be made quarterly, beginning in January. Additional information on both programs is included in the backgrounder below.
"These benefits are designed to provide support to those who really need it, particularly seniors and persons with
lower income. Older adults and seniors are remaining active and continuing to contribute to our communities. Our
government is supporting individuals to live in their own homes and communities. We are helping preserve the
independence of older adults in Newfoundland and Labrador by investing in age-friendly communities, seniors' health
and expanded financial benefits."
- The Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development
Information on the Newfoundland and Labrador Income Supplement can be found at www.gov.nl.ca/incomesupplement or by calling Canada Revenue Agency at 1-800-387-1193.
QUICK FACTS
- Direct deposit payments for the new Newfoundland and Labrador Income Supplement, as well as the enhanced Newfoundland and Labrador Seniors' Benefit will be made on October 5, the same day cheques will be sent in the mail.
- Qualified individuals do not need to apply and will automatically receive the benefit - eligibility is determined based on their 2015 income tax information.
- Eligible individuals must ensure their annual income tax return is filed in order to continue to receive the supplement.
- Information on the Newfoundland and Labrador Income Supplement can be found at www.gov.nl.ca/incomesupplement or by calling Canada Revenue Agency at 1-800-387-1193.
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Media contacts:
|
Tansy Mundon Director of Communications Department of Finance 709-729-6830, 693-1865 tansymundon@gov.nl.ca |
Roger Scaplen Director of Communications (Seniors and Wellness) Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development 709-729-0928, 697-5267 Rogerscaplen@gov.nl.ca |
BACKGROUNDER
Program Information
Newfoundland and Labrador Income Supplement
The Newfoundland and Labrador Income Supplement is based on family net income and will be payable directly to
eligible individuals on a quarterly basis. Qualified individuals do not need to apply and will automatically
receive the benefit; eligibility is determined based on their 2015 income tax information.
Newfoundland and Labrador Seniors' Benefit
For 2016, the maximum yearly amount for the Seniors' Benefit is $1,313, a $250 increase from last year. Individuals
must be 65 by December 31, 2016, and the family net income must be less than $40,663 to receive a portion of the
benefit. For the Newfoundland and Labrador Income Supplement, most eligible individuals will receive between $220
and $450 per year.
2016 10 04 2:20 p.m.