Senior's SupplementQuestions & AnswersQ: What is the Senior's Supplement? A: The Senior ' s Supplement is a monthly payment provided by the Government of British Columbia through the Employment and Assistance Act. The Senior ' s Supplement ensures a conditionally guaranteed minimum income level for residents of British Columbia receiving federal Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement or federal Allowances. Q: How do I apply for the Senior's Supplement? A: Seniors in receipt of federal Old Age Security/Guaranteed Income Supplement will receive the Senior ' s Supplement automatically, provided their Guaranteed Income Supplement rates make them eligible. The Senior's Supplement is also paid automatically to persons 60-64 years of age who are eligible, in receipt of federal Allowances, and married to an Old Age Security pensioner. Senior ' s Supplement rates are based upon income declared to the federal Canada Revenue Agency or declared on the federal Guaranteed Income Supplement application if a senior is required to complete one . Q: Is my other income considered in establishing the Senior's Supplement payment rate? A: Yes. All income that is declared to the federal Canada Revenue Agency is considered in establishing the Senior ' s Supplement payment rate. "Income" means bank and bond interest, Canada Pension Plan benefits, dividend payments, private pensions, etc. Q: I receive a benefit through the Veterans Affairs Canada. Is this considered to be income? A: Seniors eligible for the Senior ' s Supplement are allowed a $50 monthly exemption per family on their Veterans Affairs Canada benefit. Any amount over this is considered income when calculating the Senior ' s Supplement rate. Q: Are assets a factor in my eligibility for the Senior's Supplement? A: No. Assets are not a factor in determining eligibility for the Senior ' s Supplement if seniors are receiving federal Old Age Security/Guaranteed Income Supplement or federal Allowances. Only the income derived from those assets is considered. Q: What is the guaranteed income level? A: The guaranteed income level consists of a senior ' s federal Old Age Security/Guaranteed Income Supplement pension, declared other income, plus the Senior ' s Supplement rate necessary to bring the monthly income up to the current guaranteed level. Veterans Affairs Canada benefits are considered part of the income, after allowing the $50 exemption. Q: Must I apply for other benefits in order to be eligible for the Senior's Supplement? A: Yes. Seniors are expected to apply for benefits such as the federal Guaranteed Income Supplement and federal Allowance, Veterans Affairs Canada benefits, Workers' Compensation Board benefits, Canada Pension Plan benefits, etc. A Senior ' s Supplement recipient cannot forego other available benefits. Q: Are seniors who are residents of a long term care facility eligible for the Senior's Supplement? A: If a senior is eligible for the Senior's Supplement and lives in a long term care facility, their Senior's Supplement is payable to them in the facility in which they reside. Q: Are seniors who receive a partial federal Old Age Pension eligible for Senior's Supplement? A: Seniors who receive a partial federal Old Age Security Pension must apply for federal Guaranteed Income Supplement first. The Senior ' s Supplement will be paid automatically if they are eligible, to bring their income up to the current guaranteed level. Q: Where can I write or phone for additional information on the Senior's Supplement program? A: The Senior's Supplement call centre can be reached at 1-866-866-0800 (press 4 then press 1). The Senior ' s Supplement Program can also be reached by mail at: Senior's
Supplement Program
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