The Office of the Seniors Advocate is working with PovNet which offers online resources for poverty-related issues in BC, to develop an online training program aimed at training volunteers to assist seniors to access key subsidies and supports, including how to fill out government forms.
The Senior Advocate said, "We were surprised to learn of the lack of awareness among seniors, particularly low-income seniors, of government programs and subsidies available to assist them,” This is a reminder that it is not sufficient to provide supports. The results of the survey clearly show we need to do a better job of connecting seniors, particularly low-income and older seniors, with subsidies available to them.”
Premium Assistance, which subsidizes MSP premiums, is an example where seniors living on $22,000 or less could save up to $864 per year, yet 60% of seniors surveyed, living on $30,000/year or less, reported they don’t know about the program. The survey, conducted in late 2014, surveyed seniors’ knowledge and awareness of a range of programs and grants designed to support them, including the Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER), Medical Service Plan Premium Assistance, Fair Pharmacare, Property Tax Deferment Program, Home Adaptations for Independence and the federal Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) programs.
Across the board, the survey showed that awareness was lowest among the seniors over the age of 75 and those with incomes of less than $30,000/year. “Even those seniors who access subsidies are struggling, so I can only imagine how much greater the challenges are for those who aren’t accessing their entitlements,” said Mackenzie.
In BC, more than 50,000 seniors are helped each year to fill out their income tax returns. The OSA’s 2015 survey Bridging the Gaps found that many seniors are not aware of key subsidies and support available to them. Data highlighted:
The Senior Advocate said, "We were surprised to learn of the lack of awareness among seniors, particularly low-income seniors, of government programs and subsidies available to assist them,” This is a reminder that it is not sufficient to provide supports. The results of the survey clearly show we need to do a better job of connecting seniors, particularly low-income and older seniors, with subsidies available to them.”
Premium Assistance, which subsidizes MSP premiums, is an example where seniors living on $22,000 or less could save up to $864 per year, yet 60% of seniors surveyed, living on $30,000/year or less, reported they don’t know about the program. The survey, conducted in late 2014, surveyed seniors’ knowledge and awareness of a range of programs and grants designed to support them, including the Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER), Medical Service Plan Premium Assistance, Fair Pharmacare, Property Tax Deferment Program, Home Adaptations for Independence and the federal Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) programs.
Across the board, the survey showed that awareness was lowest among the seniors over the age of 75 and those with incomes of less than $30,000/year. “Even those seniors who access subsidies are struggling, so I can only imagine how much greater the challenges are for those who aren’t accessing their entitlements,” said Mackenzie.
In BC, more than 50,000 seniors are helped each year to fill out their income tax returns. The OSA’s 2015 survey Bridging the Gaps found that many seniors are not aware of key subsidies and support available to them. Data highlighted:
- Only 40% of senior homeowners with household incomes below $30,000 are aware of the Property Tax Deferment Program
- Only 39% of seniors are aware of MSP Premium Assistance
- Less than 50% of senior renters over 75 are aware of the Shelter Aid for Elder Renters (SAFER) subsidy
We need to do more to get the word out about the help available to all seniors about the programs or more people will become homeless.
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