The previously promised COVID-19 seniors aid will be arriving in July, Prime Minister Trudeau announced on Thursday during his daily address.
After saying that COVID-19 modelling is showing some encouraging improvement, Trudeau said the special one-time payment for seniors will be going out the week of July 6th.
The aid will come in the form of $300 payments to anyone who currently receives the old-age security (OAS) benefits, and $200 for any seniors who receive the guaranteed income supplement (GIS).
“If you are one of the 2.2 million elders receiving both OAS and GIS, you’ll get an additional $500 to help you with everyday expenses,” said Trudeau on Thursday.
Trudeau also said that eligible seniors who already receive benefits won’t have to apply for the one-time special payment.
Payments will be received by direct deposits or cheques that same week, said the Prime Minister.
Seniors living outside the country should expect delays if they receive cheques in the mail, given international postal disruptions.
“This COVID crisis is tough on seniors and that’s why these additional funds will make a difference,” Trudeau added.
According to Trudeau, the parliamentary budget officer has estimated the overall cost of the measure at almost $2.5 billion this fiscal year.
