Seniors Care Grant Open for Applications

Nova Scotians aged 65 and older can now apply for a new Seniors Care Grant that will help them stay in their own homes longer. Applications opened today, December 1.

The Province recently announced that it is following through on its commitment to help seniors stay in their homes longer by investing up to $32 million each year in the grant.

The grant provides up to $500 in funding for eligible seniors who need help around their homes. Covered expenses include snow removal, small household repairs, lawn care, grocery delivery and other needs.

“We know many Nova Scotia seniors face challenges staying in their homes, and often they just need a helping hand with small jobs here and there,” said Barbara Adams, Minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care. “This investment makes it easier for older Nova Scotians to maintain and afford their homes with the dignity they deserve.”

To qualify, older Nova Scotians must live independently in a home they own or rent and have an annual household income of $37,500 or less.

Applications can be submitted online, by mail or by fax. The application is available online at: https://beta.novascotia.ca/apply-help-household-costs-seniors-care-grant . Print applications will be available at Access Nova Scotia Centres and MLA offices, or by calling 1-800-670-4357 to request that one be mailed. The deadline for applications is May 31, 2022, and funds can be used through November 30, 2022.

The government also offers support programs to help seniors with the costs of heating and property tax.

Quotes:

“This is a fantastic program for seniors. It is a daily concern and challenge for many older Nova Scotians to maintain the quality of living that is necessary to stay mentally and physically healthy enough to stay in their own homes for longer. I see this Seniors Care Grant as being so very helpful, taking a lot of the burden and worry away, whether it’s trying to go for medical appointments or grocery shopping, or having difficult chores around the home. This extra help is immeasurable, very appreciated and provides incredible peace of mind.”

– Halifax senior citizen Marion Cranston

“The Home Services Nova Scotia network of agencies supports seniors who need work completed around their homes. These services are provided by individuals having a disability. This new Seniors Grant Program will allow more older Nova Scotians to get the assistance they need to look after their properties and create employment opportunities across the province.”

– Mike Townsend, Executive Director, Directions Council for Vocational Services Society

“Prescott Group is delighted to be a referral partner for this program via Nova Scotia Home Services. At Prescott, we provide a range of services to help seniors stay in their homes, from social visits to small errands and light yardwork or cleaning. Having more income available for seniors in our communities means more possibilities for us to help those people in need, making their lives a little easier and at the same time providing fair-wage employment to people with disabilities.”

– Alice Evans, Executive Director, Prescott Group

Quick Facts:

• only one grant of up to $500 will be available to each eligible household each year; seniors need to apply for the grant once per year
• people 65 and older who rent or own their home are eligible to receive the grant; the property or lease must be in their name
• eligible expenses are those intended to make the home safer and more comfortable, and may include services like home repairs, lawn care, snow removal, house cleaning services, and grocery and medication deliveries
• applicants can apply for incurred and expected expenses for household services and work, and need to keep receipts
• establishing a Seniors Care Grant for help with household services is in the Minister’s mandate letter

Additional Resources:

Seniors Care Grant eligibility, information and application: https://beta.novascotia.ca/apply-help-household-costs-seniors-care-grant or 1-800-670-4357

Heating Assistance Rebate Program:
https://beta.novascotia.ca/apply-heating-assistance-rebate-heating-assistance-rebate-program

Property Tax Rebate for Seniors:
https://beta.novascotia.ca/apply-property-tax-rebate-property-tax-rebate-seniors

Financial assistance and grant programs for homeowners: https://housing.novascotia.ca/programs/financial-assistance-and-grant-programs-homeowners

Mandate letter of the Minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care: https://novascotia.ca/exec_council/letters-2021/ministerial-mandate-letter-2021-SLTC.pdf