Archived News Releases

Province Announces $1.8-Million Boost For Manitobans Receiving 55 Plus Income Supplement

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Changes Mean More Money For Low-income Older Manitobans: Irvin-Ross

Low-income Manitobans 55 and over will see increases of up to 45 per cent in their provincial income supplement to assist with living expenses, Healthy Living Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross, minister responsible for seniors, announced today.

 

“We are providing more income for elderly Manitobans who are living on a limited budget,” said Irvin-Ross. “Together with the new Age-Friendly Manitoba Initiative, we are helping build communities committed to healthy, active aging that will improve the quality of life for older Manitobans.”

 

Maximum quarterly benefits have increased to $161.80 for a single person and to $173.90 to each eligible person in a married or common-law relationship. This means that a single person could receive up to an additional $200.80 and each eligible person in a married or common-law couple relationship would receive up to an additional $216 every year.  This increase is expected to cost
$1.8 million annually.  The province is investing over $5 million each year in the 55 PLUS Program.

 

Manitobans who qualify for the 55 PLUS Program who are receiving Old Age Security (OAS) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement are automatically registered for the increase and no application is required. Those who are 55 years of age or older and do not receive OAS benefits such as the OAS allowance should apply to determine if they are eligible each year.  

 

The province has developed the Age-Friendly Manitoba Initiative to support seniors in leading active, socially-engaged, independent lives that contribute to healthy aging.  Working together with communities to enhance many programs and services that benefit seniors will enhance the health, independence and well-being of all Manitoba seniors, said Irvin-Ross, adding the goal is to make Manitoba the most age-friendly province in Canada.

 

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