Many people are on a limited income and it is important to make sure that all benefits, subsidies and tax credits to which they are entitled are being received from the federal, provincial and local governments and agencies. Be sure to review our Checklist of Financial Benefits including income and housing subsidies, tax deductions and other benefits.
Beacon Community Services and other community agencies offer free income tax preparation for seniors that will help identify entitled benefits. See the following list for volunteer agencies that can help.
| Organization | Telephone |
| Beacon Community Services | 250-656-5537 |
| Capital City (Victoria) volunteers | 250-388-7844 |
| Esquimalt Volunteers | 250-412-8556 |
| James Bay Community Project | 250-388-7844 |
| Oak Bay Volunteer Services | 250-595-1034 |
| Pender Island Community Support | 250-629-3346 |
| Saanich Volunteer Services | 250-595-8008 |
| Salt Spring Seniors Services Society | 250-537-4604 |
Federal Programs
All federal assistance programs are accessed through a central contact at Service Canada. They will be able to provide information on the various benefits listed below and ensure that seniors are receiving all of the financial assistance which applies to their individual situation. Veterens are often entitled to additional benefits from Veteran’s Affairs Canada.
All federal assistance programs:
- Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
- Old Age Security (OAS)
- Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
- Allowance for the Survivor
- Compassionate Care Benefits
- Disability Pension
| Service Canada | 1-800-277-9914 |
| Veterans' Affairs Canada | 1-866-522-2122 |
See Housing Section for Housing Subsidies
Provincial Programs
Most provincial financial assistance programs are focused on specific subsidies, such as automobile insurance discounts; but, low-income seniors may also be entitled to additional financial assistance from the Ministry of Human Resources:
| Financial Assistance from the Ministry of Human Resources accessed through Service BC | 250-387-6121 |
Other Provincial programs offering subsidies for seniors are:
| ICBC Automobile Insurance Discounts | 1-800-663-3051 |
| Medical Services Plan and Pharmacare | 1-800-663-7100 |
| Provincial Motor Vehicle Fuel Tax Consumer Taxation Branch | 250-387-1500 |
Disability Benefits
The federal government defines those with a disability as “individuals who have a severe and prolonged impairment in physical or mental functions.” Those who have one or more impairments associated with aging may also qualify. For example, severe neuropathy can prevent driving or walking any distance. This type of disability may also qualify for disabled parking and taxi savers coupons.
A physician must complete the necessary forms for designation as disabled. Further information about disability designation and benefits can be found from:
| Canada Revenue Disabiltiy Information |
1-800-959-8281 |
| Victoria Disability Resource Centre | 250-595-0044 |