Government grants for seniors: what you need to know

At Visavie, we believe that every senior deserves to enjoy their retirement with dignity. To ease the financial burden on seniors and promote their well-being, several government grants are available. Discover the main financial assistance programs that can improve your daily life, whether you live at home or in a senior living facility.

The main objectives of government subsidies

These grants, provided by the federal and provincial governments, are designed to help seniors:

1. Access home care or care in a residential facility.
2. Manage housing costs.
3. Maintaining autonomy.
4. Enjoy enriching activities.

These programs are designed to enable you to live serenely while focusing on your health and your personal projects.

Government subsidies for seniors in Quebec: 7 essential aids

Here’s an overview of the main subsidies for seniors in Quebec.

Tax credit for home support for seniors

Aimed at seniors aged 70 and over, this tax credit supports home help services (housekeeping, hygiene care, etc.). This program also applies to seniors living in private residences.

Tax credit for independent living expenses

This credit can be used to adapt the home with equipment such as walkers or healthcare beds, or to cover the cost of rehabilitation after hospitalization.

Tax Credit for Senior Support

Available from age 70, this credit is calculated according to family income, and can reach up to $4,000 for a couple, or $2,000 for a single person.

Housing allowance

This assistance is aimed at low-income seniors aged 50 and over. Depending on your situation, you can get between $100 and $170 a month to help with the cost of rent.

Subsidy for municipal tax increases

If you’ve owned your home for 15 years and have a family income of less than $58,200, this subsidy can alleviate the impact of municipal tax increases.

Tax credit for seniors’ activities

This credit is used to recover part of the cost of enrolment in cultural, recreational or sporting activities that promote physical activity and combat social isolation.

Tax assistance

A free service for low-income seniors helps you file your tax return and maximize your credits and grants.

Financial assistance in Canada: 3 federal programs you should know about

Canadian caregiver credit

The Canadian Caregiver Tax Credit (CCTC) is a non-refundable tax credit offered by the federal government. Its purpose is to recognize that people who care for a disabled relative have a different ability to pay tax than other taxpayers with similar incomes.

Canada Pension Plan (CPP) retirement pension

This pension provides a basic income for seniors who have contributed to the CPP. It can start as early as age 60, with a reduction, or at age 65, with full benefits.

Old Age Security (OAS) pension

Available to all Canadian citizens aged 65 and over, OAS provides basic financial support, supplemented by a Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) for those with lower incomes.

New Horizons for Seniors Program

This program supports initiatives that promote volunteerism, social inclusion and intergenerational relations, while stimulating positive projects for seniors.

Additional resources for seniors and their loved ones

In addition to grants and tax credits, support services are available for family caregivers, including federal and provincial measures designed to assist them.

If you or a loved one are not yet ready to move into a residence, our sister company, Amika, offers in-home assistance services. These personalized services enable seniors to remain at home while receiving the assistance they need to maintain their independence and quality of life.

At Visavie, we are here for you 7 days a week!

We assist seniors and their families in finding the perfect private residence, whether for an urgent move, temporary housing, or a new living environment. We guide you through every step of the process to help you make the best choice, at no cost for the services we provide.