To assist low-income seniors in New Brunswick, the government offers an annual benefit to qualifying applicants.

The 2009-10 Budget increased the Low-Income Seniors’ Benefit from $200 to $300 for 2009.

The eligibility requirements for this benefit are as follows:

• The senior must have been a resident of New Brunswick on December 31st of the preceding year and a recipient of one of these federal benefits:
  • Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) (65 years or older); or
  • Allowance for Survivor (between 60-64 years old); or
  • Federal Allowance (between 60-64 years old).
• Where both spouses receive the GIS and reside in the same household, only one $300.00 benefit will be granted. However, where spouses live separately (for example, one residing in a nursing home), both will be eligible for the benefit.

APPLICATION FORM

Application forms are now available and the Department of Finance will begin to issue the payment after April 1^st 2009. To access the application for the 2009 benefit program, click "here". Forms can also be obtained by visiting any Service New Brunswick Center.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

It is important to note that the deadline for applications for the 2009 program is November 30, 2009.

INQUIRIES

Should you require further information on this program, please contact the Department of Finance, Revenue and Taxation Division at 1-800-669-7070.

INQUIRIES RELATING TO FEDERAL BENEFITS

If you do not currently receive the GIS or one of the other federal benefits and would like more information, please contact the federal Department of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada at:

• 1-800-277-9914 for service in English, or
• 1-800-277-9915 for service in French.