Our federal government is taking action to provide financial relief to seniors who are facing significant health, economic and social challenges due to COVID-19, including: 

Increased OAS, GIS, and GST payments

•  Low and moderate income seniors will have received a one-time GST credit top-up worth an average of $375 for single seniors and $510 for senior couples; 
•  On the week of July 6, Canadian seniors will receive a one-time, tax-free payment of:
  • $300 for those who are eligible for the Old Age Security pension (OAS)
  • $200 for those who are eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)

* These top-ups are automatic, and do not require any additional application.  

311 Help for Seniors 

Through funding from the federal government, and through partnership with the City of Winnipeg, the United Way Winnipeg, and many other community organizations, seniors needing help during these challenging times can call 311 for support. Concerned family members may also call on a vulnerable senior's behalf. 

Support can include help with activities such as:

• Help with delivery of groceries or access to healthy food
• Daily wellness checks or social support 
• Delivery of personal care products, medications and other necessities. 

Reducing Minimum Withdrawals

To help preserve Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIF) assets during a volatile market, minimum withdrawals from RRIF's have been reduced by 25 percent for 2020. 

Seniors with disabilities 

Seniors with disabilities who were eligible for the one-time seniors payment announced on May 12, 2020 would be eligible for the one-time payment to persons with disabilities. In cases where they are eligible for both payments, individuals would receive a total amount of $600 as follows: 

• $300 for Canadians who are eligible for the Old Age Security pension and who received the one-time seniors payment of $300; or 
• $100 for Canadians who are eligible for the Old Age Security pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement or Allowances and who received the one-time senior's payment of $500.