Difference between revisions of "Seniors' Rights and Elder Abuse"

*OAS: You may qualify for the Old Age Security Pension (OAS) if you’re a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant, 65 or older. The amount you get depends on how long you’ve lived in Canada. You have to apply for the OAS and other benefits at least 6 months before you are eligible—you don’t get them automatically.

*Guaranteed Income Supplement: As well as the OAS pension, low-income seniors may be able to get a Guaranteed Income Supplement. The less income you have, the more of this supplement you can get. In addition, the Senior’s Supplement is a monthly payment to low-income seniors who are receiving federal Old Age Security and the Guaranteed Income Supplement or federal allowances. If your income level falls below a level that BC guarantees, the supplement makes up the difference. It is automatic if you qualify—you don’t need to apply.

*Allowance: If you’re aged 60 to 64 and your spouse is a senior who is getting the OAS pension and Guaranteed Income Supplement, you might also qualify for an Allowance. The Allowance is extra money for couples who live on only one OAS pension. If your spouse dies and you’re between 60 and 64, you might be eligible to get the Allowance for the Survivor.

*Welfare or income assistance: If you’re not eligible for the OAS or Guaranteed Income Supplement, but need money for food, housing, clothing and other basic needs, you may be eligible for welfare or income assistance.

*CPP: A person who has worked and contributed to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and then retired can receive a pension from the Canadian government. This is an extra benefit, in addition to the OAS. CPP retirement benefits may begin as early as age 60.

*SAFER: BC has the Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters Program (SAFER), which provides monthly cash payments to eligible BC residents who are 60 years or over and pay rent for their homes.

*Other benefits: Other financial benefits may also be available—including employment insurance benefits if you continue working after age 65, Veterans

Affairs Canada benefits, non-refundable tax credits, BC sales tax credits and others.

*Income Assistance—for Seniors on the Service Canada website. Or phone Service Canada at 1.800.622.6232.

*CanadaBenefits—the seniors section has a long list of programs and related links. They cover finances, housing, health, and personal safety.

*The BC government seniors website or the Seniors Health Care Support Line - call 1.877.952.3181 or call the BC Ministry of Health at 1.800.465.4911.

*The Bus Pass Program offers lower cost, annual bus passes for low-income seniors and people receiving disability assistance from British Columbia.

*The Seniors page on the People’s Law School website. It has a lot of information including “When I’m 64”. It has a video and a set of booklets covering services, benefits, housing and other topics.