In order to support their needs, seniors can have access to financial allowance to pay for the health care expenses that they require in residence or at home. Several factors can influence the costs of rent in residence, such as the types of care required depending on the senior’s level of autonomy (independent,semi-autonomous or loss of autonomy).
It is therefore essential to ensure that we receive all the benefits to which we are entitled, to better plan our budget when the time comes to find a residence.
Here are the main programs that give you access to certain compensation.
The tax credit for seniors home-support services
This credit allows seniors aged 70 and over to receive financial assistance, in the form of a refundable tax credit, for expenses related to home support services. According to Revenu Quebec, here are the eligibility requirements to qualify for the credit:
be 70 years old or older;
reside in Québec on December 31 of the year.
If you are 70 years old in the year, only expenses incurred for home care services rendered or to be returned from the day of your 70th birthday will be eligible for the tax credit.
The Canada caregiver credit
If you have a dependent with a physical or mental disability, you may be eligible for the Canada caregiver credit.
According to the Government of Canada, the new Canada Caregiver Credit provides the amounts below:
- For your spouse or common-law partner, you may be entitled to claim an amount of $2,182 in the calculation of line 303. You could also claim an amount up to a maximum of $6,986 on line 304.
- For an eligible dependant 18 years of age or older (who is a person for whom you are eligible to make a claim on line 305), you may be entitled to claim an amount of $2,182 in the calculation of line 305. You could also claim an amount up to a maximum of $6,986 on line 304. See Note below.
- For each dependant 18 years of age or older who is not your spouse or common-law partner or an eligible dependant for whom an amount is claimed on line 303 or on line 305, you may be entitled to claim an amount up to a maximum of $6,986 on line 307.
The retirement pension of the Quebec Pension Plan
The Quebec Pension Plan is a mandatory public insurance plan for people who have worked in Quebec and earn more than $3,500, as well as their families. This plan provides basic financial protection in case of retirement, death or disability. You can receive this pension from the age of 60, but the amount received will be lower than if you wait until 65 years old for example.
Did you know that changes will be made to this plan in 2019?
In fact, it will be enhanced, which will improve the incomes of future retirees while preserving intergenerational equity. However, it should be noted that people who already receive a retirement, disability or surviving spouse’s pension will not be affected by the changes that will be made to the Quebec Pension Plan. The amount of any of these annuities already in payment will remain the same and will continue to be indexed every year.
In terms of eligibility, according to Retraite Quebec, it is not possible to obtain an annuity if:
you receive a non-reduced income replacement indemnity from CNESST
you receive an indemnity from the SAAQ and you are recognized as being disabled because of the same incapacity
In order to better represent the maximum amounts that can be paid, here is a table from Retraite Quebec.
Old Age Security pension
The purpose of this pension is to provide a monthly benefit to eligible seniors aged 65 and over. Regardless of your marital status, you could receive the monthly amount of $586.66. Note that as of July 1, 2019, the Old Age Security pension has been increased, the maximum amount of the OAS pension will increase to $607.46.
If you live in Canada, you must meet the following requirements:
- be 65 years of age or older
- be a Canadian citizen or authorized resident at the time your OAS pension application is approved;
- have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after the age of 18
In addition to this pension, three other types of benefits are available:
- Guaranteed Income Supplement: available if you live in Canada and your income is low, you may receive up to $876.23 for a single person. As of July 1, 2019, the maximum amount of the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) will increase to $907.30 for seniors living alone and $546.17 for each member of a couple. This amount is in addition to the amount of the OAS benefit.
- Allowance: may be eligible if you are 60 to 64 years old, if your combined annual income is less than $32,928 and your spouse is receiving the OAS benefit and is eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement.
- Survivor Allowance: if you are a widower and age 60 to 64, low income (under $23,952) you could be entitled to an amount up to $1,328.08.
Shelter Allowance Program
The shelter allowance program is another benefit that you may receive if you are a single person aged 50 and over or if you are a couple, and you and your spouse are 50 years of age or older. The shelter allowance program is for:
owners;
tenants;
lodgers;
anyone who shares a dwelling with one or more occupants.
The amount of the allowance you receive is based on the number of people in your household, the type of household, your income and your monthly rent. The allowance, which can reach $80 per month, is paid monthly by check or direct deposit.
However, you are not eligible for the shelter allowance program if, among other things;
you live in low-rent housing (HLM) or a state-funded health and social services institution;
you have a rent supplement or receive another direct subsidy for housing;
you and your spouse, if any, own property or cash valued at more than $50,000 (excluding the value of your home, land, furniture and car).
Involuntary separation
This measure was provided for when two seniors can not live together, for example, when a spouse can not provide the necessary care. We can therefore speak of a separation said to be out of their will. People aged 65 and over can apply to Service Canada to potentially qualify for involuntary separation amounts of up to $757.58 per month. The amount paid will be based on your individual income.
Can’t find any benefits that you qualify for?
You can check with the Government of Canada Benefits Finder for a personalized list of benefits that may apply to your situation.
To learn more about Bonjour Residences or to get help finding the right retirement for you, contact a member of our team. It will be a pleasure to assit you.
Make your request online now on Bonjour Residences.
