There are many services and benefits for adults, especially those on low to middle incomes, but finding and applying for them can feel like an exercise in futility.
“The moral authoritarian mindset prevails - we have to ensure some senior doesn't receive a government benefit they don't qualify for, so we'll put up all these barriers so only the very, very, very genuinely qualified applicants will receive these benefits.” B. Sainsbury - Facebook
There are a few information hubs you can access to find out about various services and benefits for all ages and situations. The easiest is by simply calling 211 where a live person will connect you to the service you require. 811 is for all things health related. Both operate 24/7.
For those of you able to use the Internet, “BC Housing” has a rental housing registry for low to middle income folks, plus rental assistance grants for families and SAFER grants for seniors. Service Canada has a Benefits Finder tool which has both federal and provincial benefits listed, including application forms. Or you can go to a Service Canada office. There are 11 in Metro Vancouver, including Richmond, North and South Surrey. That website is www.canadabenefits.gc.ca.
The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) tops up the Old Age Security pension. If eligible for the GIS the applicant will also qualify for an “annual” $45 bus pass. A lesser known tax credit for those who make enough to pay taxes, is the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), which can give a sizeable refund going back 10 years.
Then there are the subsidized health and home care services accessed through a case manager at Fraser Health for lower income folks needing health-related assistance. For recovery after a surgery, you should apply a few weeks before to allow time to get into the system.
Freebies and Perks in Delta: The City of Delta sponsors two free seniors’ busses, one for North and one for South Delta, which takes people to appointments and shopping. Delta also provides a seniors resources coordinator to help older Deltans or their advocates, find and apply for subsidized services and housing.
Folks of all ages can escape summer heat waves and winter freezes at the Tsawwassen Mills Mall (shopping not required). Scooters or wheelchairs can be rented at customer service.
Seniors can also walk for exercise and families with young children enjoy the free play area and the huge fish tank and wild animal displays in the Bass Pro Shop.
Continuing education opportunities abound with offerings from Delta Elder College and Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s TALK series.
If you’re 65-plus, I recommend a day of cruising, completely free, through the Gulf Islands and/or to Vancouver Island and back. It’s about a three-hour round trip, or six hours if you do it twice. You’ll need a new boarding pass for each direction. Just get yourself to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal Monday through Thursday when seniors travel free. Cars cost, so go as a foot passenger. The 620 bus will deliver you, or if you have a car, the Park and Go lot at the beginning of the Tsawwassen spit is only $12 per 24-hr day plus they have a free shuttle to and from the terminal.
Stay cool and bon voyage.
