23 April 2025
There are only a few days left until the tax filing deadline of April 30.
Ensuring your taxes are done is an important task, as many government benefits and pensions that seniors receive are based on their previous year’s income.
Silvera residents who live in rent-geared-to-income suites must provide Silvera with a Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency each year to ensure their rent is calculated properly.
“We urge residents to complete their taxes not only to ensure they are receiving all the benefits they could be eligible for, but also for the income information needed to ensure their eligibility for programs such as GIS or rent-geared-to income affordable housing,” says Amanda Miles, Silvera’s Sales & Leasing Partnership Lead.
Both supportive living and independent living residents can drop off their tax forms (T slips and a Filing Request Application) at any of Silvera’s SL communities. Silvera employees will drop off and pick up resident taxes at the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program at Unison.
Both the Canadian federal government and the Alberta government offer seniors a range of benefits to ensure their financial stability and well-being.
Federal programs
Canada Pension Plan (CPP): Contributors to CPP are entitled to a retirement pension starting as early as age 60. The plan also offers benefits for disability, survivor benefits for spouses or common-law partners, and children’s benefits for dependent offspring of disabled or deceased contributors.
Old Age Security (OAS): Available to Canadians aged 65 and older who have resided in the country for at least 10 years, OAS provides a monthly pension. Applications can be submitted up to six months before turning 65.
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS): This benefit offers additional monthly income to low-income seniors receiving OAS. Eligibility and benefit amounts are determined based on annual income levels.
Allowance and Allowance for the Survivor: For individuals aged 60 to 64, the Allowance is available if their spouse or common-law partner receives GIS. The Allowance for the Survivor supports those in the same age bracket who are widowed, providing financial assistance until they qualify for OAS.
Canadian Dental Care Program (CDCP): Seniors 65 and older who don’t have access to dental insurance may qualify for the CDCP. Seniors who have dental coverage through a provincial or federal social program can still qualify for the CDCP. Coverage will be coordinated between the plans to make sure there are no duplication or gaps.
Provincial programs
Alberta Seniors Benefit: This program provides monthly financial assistance to low-income seniors to help with living expenses. Eligibility is based on income thresholds. The benefit amount varies depending on income, marital status, and accommodation type.
Special Needs Assistance for Seniors: This program offers financial aid for specific one-time expenses, such as appliances, medical aids, and some health and personal supports. Eligibility and assistance amounts are income-based.
Supplementary Accommodation Benefit: Designed for seniors residing in designated supportive living or long-term care facilities, this benefit assists with accommodation charges. Eligibility considers personal income and ensures seniors retain a minimum monthly disposable income for personal expenses.
Dental and Optical Assistance for Seniors: Through Alberta Blue Cross, eligible seniors can receive assistance for basic dental services, up to $5,000 every five years, and optical services, up to $230 every three years for prescription eyeglasses. Income thresholds apply.
Silvera residents who wish to apply for any of these programs can contact Service Canada (1-800-622-6232) or Alberta Supports (1-877-644-9992) for specific questions related to their personal circumstances.
Watch this interview with Amanda to learn more about this topic.
Anyone interested in applying for affordable housing is invited to visit https://www.yycseniorshousing.ca/apply.