Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force Poverty Task Force

New Online Resources Help Grey Bruce Seniors Make the Most of Their Income

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.

Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force Income Security, Media, Poverty Task Force

Don’t Miss Out: Filing Your Taxes Could Unlock the Financial Support You Need

July 22, 2026 – Bruce Grey, Ontario – For many Canadians, tax season is viewed as something to simply check off the list each year. But for individuals and families living on a low income, filing an income tax return can be one of the most important financial decisions they make.

United Way of Bruce Grey is encouraging all eligible residents to file their income taxes, even if they earned little or no income. Filing a tax return is the key to unlocking valuable government benefits (Many available in the month of July) and credits that can help cover the cost of everyday essentials such as food, housing, transportation, and raising a family.

Many federal and provincial benefit programs require an up-to-date tax return to determine eligibility. Without filing, people may miss out on hundreds or even thousands of dollars in financial support each year.

Benefits that may be available to eligible individuals and families include:
• Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (formerly the GST/HST Credit) – July 3 and October 5
• Canada Workers Benefit – July 10
• Ontario Trillium Benefit – July 10
• Canada Child Benefit – July 20

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) also notes that filing on time helps ensure benefit payments continue without interruption. While late filers can still receive eligible payments after their return is assessed, those payments may be delayed. People who have not filed for previous years may also qualify for retroactive benefit payments once outstanding returns have been submitted and processed.

“Many people assume there’s no reason to file if they didn’t earn enough income to owe taxes,” said Garit Reid, Fundraising Lead at United Way of Bruce Grey. “In reality, filing a tax return can open the door to financial supports that make a meaningful difference for individuals and families who are already stretching every dollar.”

According to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), filing taxes is about much more than reporting income. It is how the government determines eligibility for many benefit and credit programs that help Canadians manage rising living costs. Beginning each July, benefit amounts are recalculated based on the previous year’s tax return.

United Way of Bruce Grey recognizes that filing taxes can feel overwhelming, particularly for seniors, newcomers, individuals experiencing financial hardship, or those who have never filed before. Fortunately, free tax clinics are available in many communities through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP), helping eligible individuals complete their returns at no cost.

“No one should miss out on benefits simply because they didn’t know they had to file,” Reid added. “A tax return is more than paperwork. It can be the first step toward greater financial stability.”

  • To learn more about available benefits, visit Canada.ca/taxes
  • Call 211 to find the nearest free tax clinic.
  • Click here to see the Grey Bruce 211 free tax clinics list.
  • To get a complete list of each benefits payment date on Service Canada, click here.
  • Prosper Canada also has a Benefits Wayfinder that can help guide you to government benefits you may be eligible for.
Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force Poverty Task Force

United Way of Bruce Grey and Community Partners Launch Financial Literacy Workshops to Support Seniors Living on Low Income

The United Way of Bruce Grey/Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force and community partners are expanding their commitment to senior well-being with a series of webinars designed to help older adults better understand and navigate retirement income.

Retiring on a Low Income for Seniors in Grey Bruce Webinarswill deliver a series of accessible webinars for seniors living with low-income and the professionals who support them in community hubs in Grey and Bruce Counties.

  • Friday, May 8th, 2026 10:30am-12:30pm: What Seniors Get (Government Incomes)
  • Friday, May 22nd, 2026 1030am-12:30pm: Income Tax Systems
  • Friday, June 5th, 2026 10:30am-12:30pm: Parallel Universe (the financial reality for low-income seniors, when conventional financial wisdom does not apply) 

These free webinars are designed for individuals aged 45 to 65, particularly those with low or moderate incomes, as well as those navigating programs such as Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program.

Registration is requested to ensure space and availability at each location.

Expert-Led by Leading Policy Specialist

With thanks to funding from the Community Foundation Grey Bruce, we are pleased to bring John Stapleton, founder of Open Policy Ontario, a leading expert in income security and social policy to our screens.

John Stapleton brings 28 years of experience with the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services and has held key advisory roles on national poverty reduction strategies, income security and social assistance policy reform. He is currently a Policy Fellow at the National Institute on Ageing and has published extensively on financial security issues affecting seniors and low-income populations.

“John’s expertise ensures participants receive clear, practical guidance grounded in real-world policy and experience,” said Francesca Dobbyn, Executive Director of United Way of Bruce Grey.

Addressing a Growing Need

With more than one-quarter (26.2%) of the local population aged 65 and older and many households earning below $72,500 annually, financial insecurity remains a significant concern in Grey and Bruce Counties.

Many seniors with low-income rely on programs such as Old Age Security (OAS) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), yet barriers such as program complexity can prevent them from accessing available government supports.

“These webinars are about helping seniors understand financial strategies for retiring better when faced with no other option but to retire low-income,” said Jill Umbach, Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force. “Join us to learn more, ask questions and access supports.” 

Community-Based and Accessible

Webinars will be hosted in-personat 11 community hubs:

  • South East Grey Community Health Centre (Dundalk and Markdale)
  • Beaver Valley Outreach (Thornbury)
  • Meaford Public Library (Meaford)
  • YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce (Owen Sound)
  • M’Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre (Owen Sound)
  • Ontario Disability Support Program/Ontario Works (Owen Sound)
  • The Salvation Army (Wiarton)
  • Bruce County Public Library (Kincardine and Port Elgin)
  • Canadian Mental Health Association Grey Bruce (Hanover)

To find the details for each location and registration go to: Government Incomes for Seniors – United Way of Bruce Grey

About Open Policy Ontario

Open Policy Ontario is a social policy consultancy led by John Stapleton that focuses on research, analysis, and practical solutions to address poverty and income insecurity. The organization works to help governments, community agencies, and advocates better understand complex policy issues, particularly those related to social assistance, retirement income, and benefits systems. Open Policy Ontario

Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force Poverty Task Force

Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force Launches 2025 Tax Clinic Volunteer Drive

Grey and Bruce CountyON – [5 Nov 2025] — With tax season around the corner the Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force is urgently seeking volunteers for the 2025 Community Volunteer Income Tax Program/Canada Revenue Agency (CVITP/CRA).

Help Unlock Life-Changing Benefits: Volunteer Today

The CVITP provides free tax filing support to low-income individuals, seniors, people with disabilities, newcomers, and others facing barriers to tax filing. Without these supports, many people miss out on thousands of dollars in refundable benefits.

“We’re not just filing taxes—we’re opening doors to vital programs like the Canada Child Benefit, GST/HST credits, and now the Canada Dental Care Plan,” said Jill Umbach, Coordinator of the Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force. “We’ve seen firsthand how something as simple as filing taxes can stabilize someone’s life.”

In 2025, the CVITP/CRA reported that 41,400 people were eligible for the program in Grey Bruce. (CRA Statistics, Aug 2025). In Grey Bruce:

  • Volunteers helped 3,910 people file 4,410 tax returns.
  • $13,671,000 was returned to people in refunds and benefits – a direct reinvestment in household stability and community well-being. The average dollar value/tax return was calculated at $3,100.00 based on 2023 GB CVITP Network research.
  • $488,750 was saved for 3,910 people using our average rate for paying to have your taxes done at $125/person.

No experience is needed. Volunteers receive training, CRA certification, and ongoing support. Flexible in-person and virtual roles are available across Bruce and Grey Counties.

Interested? Visit Volunteer4BGTaxes.ca

Local Impact, National Importance

The Bruce Grey CVITP Network supports a regional network of volunteers to extend services beyond the traditional tax season. In partnership with MP Alex Ruff’s office, local volunteers, Hanover Public Library, Bruce County Public Library and social service agencies, the CVITP is more than a seasonal program—it is a tool for year-round financial empowerment.

“We see this as financial first aid,” added Umbach. “When someone files their taxes for the first time in years and gets a refund or qualifies for dental coverage or housing benefits—it’s transformative.”

How to Get Involved

  • Volunteer: Sign up to prepare and file returns; and/or assist clinics at Volunteer4BGTaxes.ca
  • Spread the word: Help connect isolated or vulnerable community members to services.  Call 211 or go to:FreeTaxClinics.ca