Thousands Receive Seniors Care Grant

Almost 24,000 older Nova Scotians have received the Seniors Care Grant since applications opened December 1. The grant of up to $500 helps seniors with everyday household expenses so they can stay in their homes longer.

The grant can be used to pay for lawn care, small household repairs, grocery and medication delivery, transportation and more. The application deadline is May 31. Funds can be used on services up to November 30, 2022.

“I want as many seniors as possible to benefit from the Seniors Care Grant, and often, they just need a little help with tasks from time to time. That’s what this program is there to do,” said Barbara Adams, Minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care. “I encourage seniors to find out more and, if they’re eligible, apply by the end of May if they haven’t already.”

To qualify, Nova Scotians must be aged 65 and older. They must also live independently in a home they own or rent – on their own or with a spouse or partner – and have an annual net household income of $37,500 or less.

Seniors do not need to submit proof of income, home ownership or lease agreement, or receipts when applying. However, those eligible may be asked to provide supporting documents later. To show home ownership or rental status, documents that can be used include a property tax bill, property assessment notice, signed residential lease, Land Titles Initiative confirmation, mortgage statement or utility bill.

Applications can be submitted at: https://beta.novascotia.ca/apply-help-household-costs-seniors-care-grant , by mail or by fax. Application forms are available at Access Nova Scotia centres and MLA offices, or by calling 1-800-670-4357 to request that one be mailed.

The government also has support programs to help seniors with the costs of home repair and modification, heating and property tax.

Quotes:

“With the Seniors Care Grant, I was able to put money towards replacing my oil tank and will soon replace a basement window. It is helping me afford repairs that need to be made to my home. My message to other seniors is: please find out more about this program to see if you’re eligible. It can help a lot with the things you need to do to stay in your home and it’s easy to apply.”

– Marion Reid, Dartmouth senior citizen

Quick Facts:

• only one grant of up to $500 will be available to each eligible household each year; seniors need to apply once per year
• eligible expenses are those intended to make the home safer and more comfortable
• seniors can apply for incurred and expected expenses for household services and work, and need to keep receipts
• the government is investing about $29 million in the grant program this year
• establishing the grant is in the Minister’s mandate letter

Additional Resources:

More information about the Seniors Care Grant, eligibility and applying: 1-800-670-4357 / seniorsgrant@novascotia.ca / https://beta.novascotia.ca/apply-help-household-costs-seniors-care-grant

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

Nova Scotia’s 2022-23 budget, including the Seniors Care Grant and other investments in long-term care: https://novascotia.ca/budget/

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