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FINANCES cont. If veteran was receiving housekeeping, home maintenance or personal care help at time of death, widow may continue receiving benefit.
PROVINCIAL BENEFITS Senior’s Supplement www2.gov.bc.ca Call Enquiry BC at 604-660-2421 and ask to be transferred to the Ministry of Social Development for Senior’s Supplement. The Senior’s Supplement is a monthly payment for low-income residents of BC who are 65 years of age and older and who are receiving OAS/GIS or federal Allowance (formerly Spouse’s Allowance). The maximum rate is $49.30 per single senior and $120.50 for senior couples. You do not need to apply.
Indigent Burial Services
604-660-1156
Funeral service costs may be paid for persons who die in BC if there are no other immediate sources of funds or assets.
ICBC Driver Discount www.icbc.com
604-661-2800
Seniors over 65 who drive for pleasure-use only may qualify for a 25% discount on their Basic Autoplan. If you have been approved for a fuel tax refund under the BC government Fuel Tax Refund program for Persons with Disabilities, then you may also qualify for a 25% discount on your Basic Autoplan, even if you don’t drive the vehicle you are insuring.
BC Sales Tax Credit www.cra.gc.ca
1-800-959-8281
The Provincial government offers a sales tax credit of up to $75 per person for low income families or individuals residing in BC on December 31 of the year for which the income tax return is submitted. This refundable tax credit is claimed when filing your T-1 Income Tax return.
Fuel Tax Rebate www.sbr.gov.bc.ca
1-877-388-4440
If you are an owner or lessee of a motor vehicle and are a person with a qualifying disability, you may be eligible for a refund of tax paid on fuel purchased for your vehicle. Registration is required (form FIN 119). After this has been accepted an application for refund will be sent to you (FIN 472).
BC Income Assistance for Seniors not receiving Old Age Security www2.gov.bc.ca Call Enquiry BC at 604-660-2421 and ask to be transferred to the Ministry of Social Development for Income Assistance. North Shore Office: 1050 Churchill Crescent If you are 65 or over and in need of financial assistance, but not eligible for OAS and GIS benefits, (e.g. if you have not been in Canada for 10 years), the BC Employment and Assistance (BCEA) program may be able to help. Eligibility for BCEA benefits depends on your income, assets, sponsorship status, and other factors. If you receive income assistance during the sponsorship period, the sponsor is in default and the provincial government is in a legal position to pursue the debt against the sponsor.
Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) www.bchousing.org 604-433-2218 Provides direct financial assistance to eligible residents of BC who are age 60 and over who pay rent for their homes. You will not be eligible if you live in subsidized housing, a housing co-op, or receive provincial Income Assistance. The amount depends on the amount of rent paid and your monthly income. To qualify, you or your spouse need to have lived in BC for the full 12 months immediately preceding your application and meet other eligibility criteria.
Home Owner Grant 1-888-355-2700 www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/taxes/ property-taxes/annual-property-tax/ reduce/home-owner-grant If you own your home and are 65 or older or have a disability, you may be eligible for this grant, which is deducted from your property taxes. If the assessed value of the home is over a certain amount you will lose the grant. You may qualify for a low income supplement if you are a senior, veteran or person with a disability and meet the income requirements.
BC Seniors Home Renovation Tax Credit
1-800-959-8281
A refundable personal income tax credit that assists people aged 65+ with the cost of certain home renovations to improve accessibility or help a senior be more mobile at home. The maximum credit is $1000 annually calculated as 10% of eligible expenditures. The credit is available to people who incur eligible expenses on or after April 1, 2012.
NORTH SHORE 2017 SENIORS DIRECTORY 13