Seniors' Guide
Finances - Provincial Programs

Senior’s Supplement

The Senior’s Supplement is a monthly payment to low-income seniors who are receiving federal Old Age Security and the Guaranteed Income Supplement or federal allowances. If the income level of an eligible senior falls below a level guaranteed by the province, the supplement is provided to make up the difference. It is paid automatically to those who are eligible – seniors do not need to apply.

For more information, contact the Senior’s Supplement call centre.

British Columbia Sales Tax Credit

The provincial government offers a tax credit of $75 each for you and your spouse or common law partner if you are a low-income person or family living in British Columbia on December 31 in the year for which the income tax return is submitted. If you had a spouse or common-law partner, only one of you can claim this credit for both of you. The application for this benefit can be found on the British Columbia Credits form (BC479) included with your income tax return package.

British Columbia Low Income Climate Action Tax Credit

Effective July 2008, the provincial government introduced a new ongoing low income climate action tax credit to help low-income individuals and families with the carbon taxes they pay. The tax credit will combined with the quarterly federal GST credit starting in October 2008. The October payment will include the payment for the July to September period.

The BC Low Income Climate Action Tax Credit (BCLICATC), which begins in October 2008, is a program designed to offset the costs of the new provincial carbon tax for low income British Columbia residents.

For 2008, the tax credit provides up to $100 for an individual, $100 for a spouse or common-law partner and $30 per child ($100 for the first child in a single-parent family). The maximum amount of the credit for 2009 is $105 ($31.50 per child).

For single individuals with no children, the credit will be reduced by 2 per cent of their 2007 net income over $30,000. For families, the credit will be reduced by 2 per cent of their 2007 net income over $35,000. The net income thresholds are indexed annually to the BC Consumer Price Index.

Taxpayer Services Information Line

Income Assistance for Seniors Not Receiving Old Age Security

If you are 65 or over and not eligible for the Old Age Security Pension and its supplement (GIS), you may be eligible for income assistance from the Ministry of Housing and Social Development. Eligibility is based on your income, assets and shelter costs.

For more information, please contact the Ministry of Housing and Social Development.