The Newfoundland and Labrador Seniors' Benefit is a refundable tax credit for low income seniors. A refundable tax credit is an amount paid to an individual, even if they have no tax payable. The Low Income Seniors' Benefit is indexed on an annual basis utilizing the Consumer Price Index. With the October 2011 payment, whether single or as a couple, seniors with net income of up to $26,688 are eligible to receive a maximum benefit of $918. The amount of the benefit will be phased out as net income increases between $26,668 and $34,561.
In order to qualify for this benefit, the person must be 65 years of age by December 31st of the taxation year. This benefit is paid in October of each year and is included in the same cheque as the GST/HST credit. The amount of the credit is based on family net income from the previous year.
No application is required. However, individuals must ensure that their annual income tax return is filed.
For more information about the Low Income Seniors' Benefit, please contact: