Income Security

There is a trend of governments flowing more income to low income households through tax credits. Because of this, it is paramount to keep promoting the use of free income tax clinics, including expansion to low-serviced areas and year round services. Some 45,000 people in Grey Bruce are eligible to use the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program but only 2% are doing so. (CRA, 2019) Since 2017, the Income and Employment Action Group and Community Voices – some 12 to 15 social agencies and people with lived experience – have focused on public education to people with low income on ways to increase household income. In partnership with 2-1-1, we maintain a free clinic listing online and via telephone. The information collected also informs us where the geographic gaps are in free services and barriers to accessing clinics. Creating the conditions for more free services that increase income can change lives.

The Income Security Action Group is made up of financial advisers, employment service agencies, Grey and Bruce social services, health promoters and other social services agencies.

Did you know? Basic needs are increasingly out of reach for people living on low-income. People with insufficient income face impossible choices every single day.

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.

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