Property Tax Rebate Extended for Seniors

More seniors will get help in paying their property taxes. The Nova Scotia Government is extending the Property Tax Rebate Program to all seniors who qualify.

The government has reinstated the Property Tax Rebate Program to all seniors in receipt of the Guaranteed Income Supplement. The program will be phased in over a four year period.

"We are fulfilling a commitment made to seniors," said Peter Christie, Minister of Community Services. "We are opening up the program and providing fairness in who can qualify for a property tax rebate."

For this fiscal year, the existing recipients will be maintained at the current rate structure, 50 per cent of the property taxes paid to a maximum of $400. New qualifying seniors will receive a flat rate rebate of $70 regardless of the amount of property tax paid. That amount will increase in 2001, and 2002.

In 2003, the program will provide each qualifying recipient with a rebate of 50 per cent of the property taxes paid to a maximum of $400.

Started in 1980, the Property Tax Rebate Program was designed to help seniors remain in their own homes. It was originally available to all seniors getting the federal Guaranteed Income Supplement to the Old Age Security and who lived in their own homes and had their property taxes paid in full.

In 1995, the Financial Measures Act restricted the program to those seniors who received a property tax rebate in that year. No new applications have been accepted since 1995.

"This government will continue to work with the Senior Citizens' Secretariat and with seniors' organizations by discussing their issues and concerns and taking action wherever possible," said Mr. Christie.

Last year about 12,000 seniors in Nova Scotia received a payment under the Property Tax Rebate Program.

Application forms may be obtained by calling 1-877-296-9338. The deadline for applying is Dec. 31, 2000.