Every month 4,000 Albertans turn 65. Alberta’s seniors population will grow to more than one million by 2035. [Source: Seniors Budget Details - https://www.alberta.ca/seniors-budget-details.aspx]
We are a burgeoning group of people, us seniors. Since 2011, the added increase of baby-boomers to the senior’s population has promoted a powerful pressure to the support budgets across Canada. Alberta is no exception.
Despite this increase in numbers, Alberta Seniors and Housing still provides assistance, especially for those who are at the low-income range of the population. What is most important is that ALL seniors in Alberta APPLY for the ALBERTA SENIORS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. This application is available via internet at Alberta.ca [https://www.alberta.ca/assets/documents/sh-sfa-application-form.pdf], through an Alberta Supports office (Red Deer, Calgary, Drumheller), or at Seniors Outreach offices throughout Kneehill County.
The important thing is to apply. This provincial support is still in effect and is still providing assistance in the areas of:
Seniors Benefit - Provides a monthly benefit to eligible seniors with low-income to assist with living expenses.
Special Needs Assistance - Provides financial assistance to eligible seniors with low-income toward the cost of appliances, specific health and personal supports.
Dental and Optical Support - Provides financial assistance to eligible seniors with low- to moderate- income for basic dental and optical services.
Home Loan Programs: Seniors Home Adaptation and Repair Program [SHARP] and the Property Tax Deferral Program - SHARP helps eligible seniors finance home repairs, adaptations and renovations through a low-interest home equity loan. The Property Tax Deferral Program allows eligible senior homeowners to defer all or part of their annual residential property taxes through a low-interest home equity loan.
The application, often still seems to be missed. Despite the work done by the Ministry of Seniors and Housing, the only automatic enrolment, at present, is from the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program to Seniors Financial Assistance. In future some further changes may occur, but at present, all others must apply for this Alberta program.
Please apply for this program approximately 6 months before your 65th birthday. You should receive a letter, including the application, at this time. If you do not receive the form 6 months before age 65 in the mail, please check in with Seniors Outreach regarding the application process.
Seniors Outreach is pleased to assist you with your questions and help you with information. Our Staff is available to help – please call for an appointment: 403-443-2555 or in the Carbon/area call 1-888-443-2555 Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
REMINDERS:
Community Bus on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week 1:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. in Three Hills
Blankets for Canada - is still going strong. We will do our next donation drop off of materials at the end of March. If you are able to donate any wool or any 8” x 8” squares (crocheted or knitted), please drop them off at the Seniors Outreach Main Office. We usually deliver these donations to a group of ladies who make blankets for the homeless and/or for other needs. Your donations are much appreciated!
Upcoming Specialty
Bus Trips:
Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra Open Rehearsals: Friday, March 6, 2020 [BEETHOVEN]. Call to book your tickets and place on the bus.
NO BUS TRIP TO RED DEER in March.
Olds Bus Trip, March 31, 2020. Call early to book/pay for your ticket on the Bus!
NOTE: Meet - The - Seniors Outreach - Board Members Celebrations (As part of our 25th Anniversary Year) across Kneehill County.
Silver Willows Seniors Centre, Torrington: 9:30 a.m. - Monday, March 16, 2020.
Trochu Seniors Drop-In Centre, Trochu: 9:30 a.m. - Thursday, April 2, 2020.
Attention Kneehill County Seniors: Kneehill Regional Family & Community Support Services will be providing free Income Tax services starting in early March until the end of April, 2020. Call their office for an appointment @ 403-443-3800.
