While government funding has been distributed across Canada to help support citizens through COVID-19, low-income seniors are excited to finally getting their share of financial aid.
On May 12, Ottawa pledge to give a one-time, tax-free payment of $300 to eligible seniors through the Old Age Security (OAS) pension as well as an additional $200 for those receiving the Guaranteed Income Support (GIS) – a total of $500.
Michael Luk, a long-time Richmond resident, was excited when he and his friends caught word of the government funding arriving for low-income seniors.
“Of course I was happy when I heard about the supplement funding for seniors,” said Luk, adding that it was “the topic” between him and seniors when it was announced on the news.
However, the 78-year-old resident was disappointed to learn the government has yet to set a specific date of when the financial aid would arrive since the first announcement of the funding.
“We thought the supplement would come earlier, but what can we do but wait,” said Luk.
“These few months, everything has gone up in price whether it is groceries, food that we order and deliveries.”
The financial aid, said Luk, on top of his monthly OAS pension GIS will greatly alleviate his stress on additional spending for cleaning supplies and some masks due to COVID-19.
As of June 4, Prime Minister Trudeau announced the payments will automatically be deposited into the accounts of those eligible for the benefit, and will be arriving the week of July 6.
B.C. has also announced a series of temporary financial measures for vulnerable people during the pandemic, including a $300 monthly crisis supplement, from April to June, for low-income seniors receiving B.C.’s Seniors Supplement and income or disability assistance, and not on EI or CERB.
-With files from Tyler Orton/BIV
