Children, Seniors and Social Development
April 05, 2017

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development:

Minister Gambin-Walsh Highlights Newfoundland and Labrador Income Supplement and Seniors’ Benefit

Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House to inform members and the public that the next payment of the Newfoundland and Labrador Income Supplement, as well as the enhanced Newfoundland and Labrador Seniors’ Benefit will be issued today, April 5.

This investment highlights our government’s continued support for low income seniors, individuals, families and persons with disabilities. The Newfoundland and Labrador Income Supplement and the enhanced Seniors’ Benefit programs were both designed to provide the appropriate supports to help protect our citizens, especially in the face of the fiscal circumstances our province is facing and I am proud that we are able to offer these supports to those who need it most.

Mr. Speaker, direct deposit payments will be made to individuals today, the same day cheques will be sent in the mail. Since the program was implemented last July, 155,000 individuals and families have benefited from the new Income Supplement and the enhanced Seniors’ Benefit.

I would like to point out that qualified individuals did not need to apply and will automatically receive these benefits - eligibility is determined based on their 2015 income tax information. Both the Newfoundland and Labrador Seniors’ Benefit and the Newfoundland and Labrador Income Supplement will be added to the recipient’s GST credit cheque or direct deposit payment.

Mr. Speaker, our government understands the challenges our province faces, particularly with a rapidly aging population, and has a plan to ensure we are responsive to the needs of residents while spending wisely through sustainable investments. Initiatives like the Newfoundland and Labrador Income Supplement and enhanced Seniors’ Benefit are already positively impacting the lives of the people across our province, and our government will continue to provide supports for those who need it most.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

2017 04 05                              2:30 p.m.