Jean (Name had been changed to protect privacy) was 72 years old and had been widowed for 6 years. When her husband passed she lost her companion of 47 years, all of the household management skills and more than half of her household income.
CPP and OAS totaling $962.00 monthly were the only 2 incomes that Jean received. Thankfully, the house is paid for but she struggled to pay the home bills and property taxes, which were in arrears. The house is older and needed work. She is partially disabled and had not had the money to prescribed orthotics or a rollator. She needed dentures but could not afford them nor could she buy eyeglasses. She didn’t eat properly, seldom left home, could not afford basic medical needs and felt very isolated. She could not afford to get her income taxes done since her husband passed.
After a gentle urging and referral to her nearest CVITP Clinic, Jean was able to get her taxes caught up. It was suggested that she start with the taxes of 2 years overdue and work backwards. This gave her substantial lump sums representing GST and OTB. With those funds in hand, she paid up her property taxes and then completed the current year. This filing now gave her the Seniors Property Tax Credit in addition to the other incomes.
Since Jean had paid her Property Taxes, she then qualified for The Ontario Renovates program which gave her all new windows for the home and fixed the hole in the roof. The CVITP Clinic also had her apply for her Survivors Pension and a small top up from the Guaranteed Income Supplement.
Jean’s lump sums were able to purchase a rollator, orthotics, glasses, dentures, and, indirectly, bring the house up to standards. Her monthly income has increased to just under $1,500.00.
Jean is now warm, safe, healthy and connected.