The age of a senior person might vary according to different situations in Canada. However, in most cases, a person is considered a senior citizen when they turn 65. When a person turns 50, retailers start offering "senior discounts," although provincial and federal government programmes may have different eligibility requirements starting at age 55 and beyond.
There are also state-level benefits specifically designed for seniors, some of which, like the Manitoba 55 PLUS programme, are available as early as age 55.
Also the government of Canada has different age requirements for different programmes. For example, the eligibility requirement for the Old Age Security (OAS) pension program is 65 years and above. The age requirement is the same for Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). The age requirement for the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) is 60 years and above.
Seniors may also have the opportunity to apply for financial aid through income support programmes or take advantage of senior discounts to lower their costs for a variety of goods and services.
Manitoba 55 PLUS Seniors Benefits
The maximum quarterly benefit under the Manitoba 55 PLUS Seniors Benefit programme is $161.80 for a single person and $173.90 for each qualified person in a married or common-law partnership. The income requirement is $9,746.40 for an individual and $16,255.20 for a couple in order to receive the full benefit. The Manitoba 55 PLUS Programme makes payments in the months of April, July, October, and January.
GST/HST Credit
Seniors of any age who meet the requirements can get the GST/HST Credit. Individuals will start receiving $467 each quarter starting in 2023, while couples will earn $612. The net income of a family, which must be less than $49,166 for single people or $52,066 for couples without children under the age of 19, determines eligibility for the GST/HST Credit.
Financial Assistance for Low-Income Elderly People
If an elderly person's earnings are insufficient to pay their essential needs or if they are unemployed, they may qualify for income assistance.
Discounts for seniors
For those who are 55 years of age and older, there are a number of discounts and special privileges. These advantages consist of:
- discounts at a number of establishments, including IHOP, Wendy's, and Denny's.
- Rexall Pharmacy and Lawtons Drugs both provide pharmacy discounts.
- Discounts on hotels at well-known properties like Best Western, Sandman Hotel Group, Travelodge Hotels, and Fairmont, with possible CARP membership requirements.
