New seniors support
By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
To help seniors cover any increased costs from the response to COVID-19, the federal government announced on May 12 it is providing some seniors with up to $500 as a one-time, tax-free payment.
Seniors eligible for the Old Age Security (OAS) pension can receive $300, and those eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) may receive an additional $200.
The funding is good news for seniors, said Lynne Fair, chair of Strathmore’s seniors advisory committee, a group that guides the town on behalf of older people in the community.
“Anybody who has to pay for prescriptions and things, even if it’s one time, $500 is very helpful,” said Fair. “I have a couple of friends who live on limited income, and they are grateful for it.”
The funding will benefit about 6.7 million Canadians and represents a total estimated value of $2.5 billion, according to the federal government.
Additionally, $9 million in funding contributed through United Way Canada for local organizations to support “practical services” to seniors was announced by the federal government in a press release on March 29. These services include the delivery of groceries, medications or other essential items, or to provide outreach services to connect seniors with community support.
The New Horizons for Seniors Program, which funds organizations working for seniors, was also expanded through $20 million in new funding. It will be used to support community-based projects, including those targeting reducing isolation, improving seniors’ quality of life and the maintenance of social support networks.
The federal government is also extending GIS and allowance payments for seniors whose 2019 tax returns have not yet been assessed. This will ensure that the most vulnerable seniors continue to receive benefits, according to a press release. To avoid an interruption in benefits, seniors should submit their 2019 income information as soon as possible, and no later than by Oct. 1, 2020, according to the release.
Meanwhile, the Alberta government announced it is providing funding to a digital platform for organizations serving seniors to improve their service delivery. This “online hub,” named CORE – Collaborative, Online, Resources and Education – was created by The United Way of Calgary and Area, which will administer the hub and be its financial agent, according to a news release.
CORE, which cost $40,000 to develop, helps organizations coordinate, according to the release. It focuses on “key COVID-19 issues,” such as transportation, food security, social isolation and home supports. Inter-agency programs and initiatives that will be coordinated through CORE are receiving $720,000 from the Alberta government and partners.
The technology will be used to better service Alberta seniors, said Josephine Pon, Alberta’s Minister of Seniors and Housing, in a statement. “Older individuals are among those most at-risk for COVID-19,” she said. “We believe the online knowledge hub will enhance the way organizations support seniors during the pandemic and help keep them safe as we move forward with our relaunch plans.”
For the most part, area seniors “have been coping extremely well,” to the situation, said Fair. “Most of my friends keep really, really busy, staying socially connected with their families and lots of phone connections, and keeping busy with hobbies.”