Navigating retirement income, government benefits, taxes and community supports can be complicated—especially for seniors living on a limited income. The Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force has launched two new webpages that bring practical, trustworthy information together in one accessible place.
The Support for Seniors with Low Income page features 3 free educational videos presented by social policy expert John Stapleton of Open Policy Ontario. The sessions explain:
- Income available through CPP, OAS, GIS, GAINS, pensions, employment and savings
- How taxes, tax credits, RRSPs and TFSAs can affect retirement income
- Why conventional financial advice may not work for seniors with low income
- How to protect benefits and avoid unexpected taxes or GIS reductions
The companion Resources for Seniors with Low Income page connects seniors, families and service providers with free tax clinics, utility and energy assistance, housing supports, legal services, benefit-navigation tools, dental coverage information and local services available through 211.
Approximately 5,500 to 5,800 seniors or 12.3% of seniors in Grey and Bruce Counties live on a low income. Despite Canada’s public pension system, many seniors continue to struggle with housing costs, food affordability, transportation, and other essential expenses, particularly women living alone and seniors who rely primarily on Old Age Security (OAS) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).
Supporting seniors to access the income and benefits they are entitled to not only improves individual well-being but also strengthens communities as a whole.
These new pages are intended to make complicated information easier to understand and help older adults receive the income, benefits and services to which they are entitled.
Whether you are approaching retirement, already retired, helping a family member or supporting seniors through your work, these pages offer a practical place to begin. Explore the resources—and share them with someone who may benefit.