While many seniors are faring well financially, others
need support to make ends meet. The B.C. government
is committed to providing the best system of supports
in Canada for seniors. Now that the province’s
economy is on a stronger footing, one of the provincial
government’s first priorities is to make sure
lower income seniors are among the first to benefit.
That’s why the provincial government has restored the Senior’s Supplement to about $50 per eligible senior each month. Close to 40,000 seniors benefit from this change.
The provincial government also supports low income seniors through the annual sales tax credit, and all seniors who own their own homes are eligible for an enhanced homeowner grant, which reduces the cost of property taxes and helps seniors remain independent.
Further seniors’ initiatives announced in the fall 2005 budget update included increasing the rent ceiling for the SAFER program and expanding it to owners of manufactured homes (see the Housing section of this guide for more information), and providing additional funding to strengthen and modernize the full range of health care services for seniors.
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