Government of Canada will make a one-time, tax-free payment this week to seniors eligible for Old Age Security pension, the Guaranteed Income Supplement or other allowances.
Seniors in the country can expect to receive the payment by direct deposit or cheque this week.
Meanwhile, seniors who live outside Canada can expect one-time payment in July as a direct deposit, or by cheque, although it might be delayed because of international postal disruptions.
The federal government will provide about $900 for low-income single seniors and more than $1,500 for low-income senior couples, in addition to their existing benefits.
Seniors eligible for the OAS pension will receive a payment of $300, and seniors also eligible for the GIS will receive an additional $200. Allowance recipients will also receive $500.
This $2.5 billion investment in financial support will help Canadian seniors cover increased costs caused by COVID-19, said Deb Schulte, Minister of Seniors.
“As we carefully and gradually re-open the economy, the Government of Canada will continue to support seniors and respond to COVID-19 health, social, and economic impacts,” she said.