News Release

Low-income seniors' benefit increases to $400 (10/03/03)

FREDERICTON (CNB) - The low-income seniors' benefit will increase to $400 from $300 on Thursday, April 1.

Finance Minister Greg Byrne announced the increase and said it fulfils a commitment in the Charter for Change. The benefit has increased to $400 from $100 during the past four years.

More than 34,000 seniors across the province will receive the benefit in 2010, totalling nearly $14 million in payments.

"We are pleased to fulfil this commitment to the seniors of our province and to provide even greater assistance to those who most need help," said Byrne.

To be eligible for the benefit, a person must have been a resident of New Brunswick on Dec. 31, 2009, and received one of these federal benefits under the Old Age Security Act (Canada):

• Guaranteed Income Supplement (65 years or older);
• Allowance for Survivor Program (between 60 and 64 years old); or
• Allowance Program (between 60 and 64 years old).

In cases where both spouses received the Guaranteed Income Supplement and lived in the same household, only one payment will be provided.

The deadline to apply for the benefit is Nov. 30. Application forms are available at Service New Brunswick centres and online. Completed applications may be returned to the Department of Finance, P.O. Box 3000, Fredericton, NB, E3B 5G5. For more information, call 1-800-669-7070, Monday to Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m.