2008:02 - INADEQUACIES IN INCOME TRANSFER PROGRAMS FOR LOW-INCOME SENIORS
Whereas Statements
1. As pension coverage declines, a growing number of senior households rely on federal government transfers for a larger proportion of their income.
2. Statistics Canada reports that single unattached seniors over 80, particularly women, face higher risks of poverty, as measured by Statistics Canada’s Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO). Since the 1990s, the income gap between seniors and other Canadians has widened.
3. The Government of Canada limits retroactive payments for federal income transfer programs (Old Age Security [OAS] and Canada Pension Plan [CPP]) to only 11 months. Seniors who fail to apply at the time of entitlement may lose thousands of dollars in income.
Resolved Statements
Resolved 1: The National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) adopts as policy that federal income transfer programs should be increased to ensure low-income seniors receive an adequate level of income at or above Statistics Canada’s Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO).
Resolved 2: The NCWC urges the Government of Canada to:
a. Increase income transfer rates, including Old Age Security (OAS) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).
b. Extend retroactive payments of OAS and CPP, including interest, to ensure seniors receive full benefits for the entire eligible period.
c. Develop a user-friendly system to ensure all individuals approaching retirement age are automatically informed of their rights and necessary steps—with multiple communication formats beyond print.