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Notification of Seniors of Eligibility for Support

2002:03 - NOTIFICATION OF SENIORS RE ELIGIBILITY FOR SUPPORT

Whereas Statements

  • Many seniors have limited income.
  • There is a range of federal and provincial income support programs based on specific eligibility criteria, including:
    • Old Age Security (OAS)
    • Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
    • Allowance programs (Spousal Allowance, Allowance for Survivors – Provincial variations apply)
  • The government (2002) has started including OAS benefit information in the 2001 T4 tax forms for seniors with low or modest incomes.
  • Current advertising methods are inadequate—many eligible seniors, especially older women living alone, do not apply. A study found that 20% of GIS-eligible seniors did not submit applications.
  • Annual income tax returns provide the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency with the necessary data to identify eligible seniors, but this tool is not being effectively used to notify them.

Resolved Statements

Resolved 1: The National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) adopts a policy that every senior must receive clear and accessible information on federal and provincial income support programs, including how to apply.

Resolved 2: The NCWC urges the Government of Canada to direct the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA), in cooperation with provinces and territories, to:

  1. Examine income tax returns to identify seniors who might qualify for income support programs.
  2. Send a notification to those identified seniors with:
    • Confirmation that they may be eligible for federal/provincial support programs.
    • Instructions on how and when to apply.

Resolved 3: The NCWC urges Human Resources Development Canada to issue a clear and accessible form to alert potentially eligible seniors about the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).

Resolved 4: The NCWC urges relevant federal and provincial departments to work with food banks, long-term care facilities, shelters, and other organizations to identify low-income seniors who do not submit tax returns. They must develop an accessible system to inform them about possible eligibility for income support programs.