Dear friends who have low income seniors in their lives, know one or need to know about what is happening right now. Due to the method in which subsidy’s are provided, the COVID support payments given out last year have now triggered the lowering of these subsidies. GIS & BC Housing (Safer) have dropped this year . GIS & BC Housing Rent Subsidy for low income seniors is based on income reported on ones income tax return. Like employment insurance, the guaranteed income supplement (GIS) is income-tested. That means the previous year’s taxable earnings — including emergency benefits — factor into how much gets doled out in the next payment period. 

BC Housing subsidizes low income seniors who rent through a program called SAFER.  Safer monthly amounts are based on your income and rent.

 In 2020 the decision to support low income seniors was a good one, to help with many extra costs from grocery delivery, to taxis, and for loss of income. 

In 2021 these seniors are NOT receiving the Covid payments, yet the supplements and subsidies are basing their contribution on what they consider last years income. The help given to them last year should not be considered income, this needs to be fixed. In some cases, the money was deposited automatically, so in essence they were given no choice and now are getting less to live on due to the lack of foresight by our governing bodies.   

We all need to support our most vulnerable members of society who require delivery & mobility support in addition to covering their living expenses which have gone up as a result of COVID.

While we wait to see if this oversight is corrected, please sign this petition that will be sent to John Horgan and Justin Trudeau so that this oversight can be correctly immediately.