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As a senior, it may be difficult to make ends meet, but you shouldn’t have to worry about where you might get financial support. You may be eligible for benefits through the federal and provincial governments. Ponoka FCSS has compiled information on different programs that support seniors. You can find further information on these benefits through the website links provided below.
The Old Age Security pension is a monthly payment offered by the Government of Canada and is available to most Canadians aged 65 or older. You must apply to receive benefits. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you may be entitled to receive the Old Age Security pension even if you are still working or have never worked.
You can also call about CPP and OAS at 1-800-277-9914
The Guaranteed Income Supplement, offered by the Government of Canada, provides additional funds, on top of the Old Age Security pension, to low-income seniors living in Canada. To be eligible for the GIS benefit, you must be receiving the Old Age Security pension and meet income requirements based on your income tax from the previous year.
The Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program, administered by the Government of Alberta, provides financial and health-related assistance to eligible adults under the age of 65 who have a disability. The disability must be permanent and substantially limit your ability to earn a living. AISH clients may also be eligible to receive supplemental assistance (a child benefit and personal benefits) through the AISH program.
The Alberta Seniors Benefit program from the Government of Alberta provides support in addition to the federal benefits received under Old Age Security, Guaranteed Income Supplement, Federal Allowance and the GST credit. It is based on income and provides monthly benefits to eligible seniors.
You can also call Alberta Seniors Benefits at 1-877-644-9992
The Government of Alberta’s Special Needs Assistance for Seniors program helps seniors with the cost of appliances, minor home repairs, and some medical costs. Only one-time extraordinary expenses are funded. The program provides a lump-sum payment to eligible low-income seniors. The maximum assistance available is $5,000 in a benefit year (July 1 to June 30).
The Dental and Optical Assistance for Seniors programs offered by the Government of Alberta provide low- to moderate-income seniors with financial assistance for basic dental and optical services that help maintain a reasonable level of health.
This program is based on income. Under the dental program, you could be eligible for up to $5,000 of coverage for certain procedures every five years and up to $230 every three years for prescription eyeglasses under the Optical program.
You only need to apply once to these programs. Seniors who have previously applied for the Alberta Seniors Benefit program, the Dental and Optical Assistance for Seniors programs or have completed a Seniors Financial Assistance application are already enrolled.
RAMP is a Government of Alberta program available to eligible wheelchair users to modify their homes to be more wheelchair accessible. Applicants can apply for a RAMP grant for up to $5,000.
If you have questions about seniors' benefits or need help completing the required forms, call Ponoka FCSS, and we will work to assist you.
