Law to Boost Income for Low-Income Seniors
More Money for Poor Seniors
This proposed law changes how much money some low-income seniors get each month. It affects single seniors who receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). The GIS is extra money given to seniors with little or no other income. The change means that certain COVID-19 benefits received in the past will no longer count as income when calculating GIS payments. This includes money from the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), Employment Insurance, Canada Recovery Benefit, and Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit. By not counting these benefits as income, single seniors will receive more GIS money each month. This change matters because it helps vulnerable seniors who relied on emergency benefits during the pandemic. It ensures they are not penalized with lower GIS payments because they received temporary COVID-19 support. This helps them afford basic needs and have a better quality of life.
Where this proposed law falls on the policy spectrums that Canadians care about
The bill increases spending on the Guaranteed Income Supplement, particularly for single seniors, indicating a move towards expanding government programs.
By increasing the Guaranteed Income Supplement, particularly for single seniors, the bill provides additional financial support that can help with housing costs and overall cost of living, although it's not a direct housing program.
This proposed law helps seniors by not counting certain COVID-19 benefits as income when calculating their Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). This means some seniors will get more GIS money, but it only applies to benefits received up to June 2022, so it's a one-time adjustment.
Things to Watch For
- The law only addresses COVID-19 benefits received up to June 2022, not any future emergency benefits.
- It does not change how other types of income affect GIS payments.
- Seniors need to apply and prove their income to receive the increased GIS.
Click any step to learn what it means
Loading...
Click any step to learn what it means
Loading...
Sign in to join the discussion.
Loading comments...