FREDERICTON (CNB) – Applications for the 2011 Low-Income Seniors' Benefit are now available. Payments issued to qualified seniors will begin April 1. Applications will be accepted until Nov. 30.
More than 38,000 New Brunswick seniors received the $400 benefit in 2010. The program provided $15.3 million in payments.
"We are pleased to provide this assistance to seniors who have worked so hard to build our province," Finance Minister Blaine Higgs said. "These funds help those in society who need it most."
To be eligible, a person must have been a resident of New Brunswick on Dec. 31, 2010, and have received one of the following federal benefits under the federal Old Age Security Act:
● Guaranteed Income Supplement (65 years or older);
● Allowance for Survivor Program (between 60 and 64 years old); or
● Allowance Program (between 60 and 64 years old).
In cases where both spouses received the Guaranteed Income Supplement and lived in the same household, only one payment will be provided. However, when spouses live separately (for example, with one living in a nursing home) both will be eligible.
Application forms may be obtained at Service New Brunswick centres and online at the Department of Finance and Service New Brunswick websites. Completed application forms should be returned to the Department of Finance, Tax Accounting and Refunds, P.O. Box 1900, Fredericton, N.B., E3B 5G4
For more information about the program, contact the Department of Finance, Revenue and Taxation Division, at 1-800-669-7070.
LINKS:
● Department of Finance: www.gnb.ca/finance
● Service New Brunswick: www.snb.ca
23-03-11