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Difference between revisions of "Seniors' Rights and Elder Abuse"

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Seniors' Rights and Elder Abuse (view source)

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==What old age security and other income assistance can you get?==
==What old age security and other income assistance can you get?==


*'''[http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/services/pensions/oas/index.shtml?utm_source=vanity+URL&utm_medium=print+publication,+ISPB-185,+ISPB-341&utm_term=/oas&utm_content=Mar+2013,+eng&utm_campaign=OAS+Pension+2013,+Benefits+for+Low+Income+Seniors OAS]''': You may qualify for the Old Age Security Pension (OAS) if you’re a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant, 65 or older. The amount you get depends on how long you’ve lived in Canada. You must apply for the OAS and other benefits at least 6 months before you are eligible—you don’t get them automatically.
*'''[https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/old-age-security.html OAS]''': You may qualify for the Old Age Security Pension (OAS) if you’re a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant, 65 or older. The amount you get depends on how long you’ve lived in Canada. If you don’t receive a letter from Service Canada soon after you turn 64, you will have to apply for OAS. Do that as soon as you can to avoid losing any payments.


*'''[http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/services/pensions/oas/gis/ Guaranteed Income Supplement]''': As well as the OAS pension, low-income seniors may be able to get a Guaranteed Income Supplement. The less income you have, the more of this supplement you can get. In addition, the [http://www.mhr.gov.bc.ca/PROGRAMS/other.htm#ss Senior’s Supplement] is a monthly payment to low-income seniors who are receiving federal Old Age Security and the Guaranteed Income Supplement or federal allowances. If your income level falls below a level that BC guarantees, the supplement makes up the difference. It is automatic if you qualify—you don’t need to apply.
*'''[https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/old-age-security/guaranteed-income-supplement.html Guaranteed Income Supplement]''': As well as the OAS pension, low-income seniors may be able to get a Guaranteed Income Supplement. The less income you have, the more of this supplement you can get. In addition, the [http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/seniors/financial-legal-matters/income-security-programs/seniors-supplement Senior’s Supplement] is a monthly payment to low-income seniors who are receiving federal Old Age Security and the Guaranteed Income Supplement or federal allowances. If your income level falls below a level that BC guarantees, the supplement makes up the difference. It is automatic if you qualify—you don’t need to apply.


*'''[http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/services/pensions/oas/allowance.shtml Allowance]''': If you’re aged 60 to 64 and your spouse is a senior who is getting the OAS pension and Guaranteed Income Supplement, you might also qualify for an Allowance. The Allowance is extra money for couples who live on only one OAS pension. If your spouse dies and you’re between 60 and 64, you might be eligible to get the Allowance for the Survivor.
*'''[http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/services/pensions/oas/allowance.shtml Allowance]''': If you’re aged 60 to 64 and your spouse is a senior who is getting the OAS pension and Guaranteed Income Supplement, you might also qualify for an Allowance. The Allowance is extra money for couples who live on only one OAS pension. If your spouse dies and you’re between 60 and 64, you might be eligible to get the Allowance for the Survivor.
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*'''[http://www.eia.gov.bc.ca/bcea.htm Welfare or income assistance]''': If you’re not eligible for the OAS or Guaranteed Income Supplement, but need money for food, housing, clothing and other basic needs, you may be eligible for welfare or income assistance.
*'''[http://www.eia.gov.bc.ca/bcea.htm Welfare or income assistance]''': If you’re not eligible for the OAS or Guaranteed Income Supplement, but need money for food, housing, clothing and other basic needs, you may be eligible for welfare or income assistance.


*'''[http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/services/pensions/cpp/index.shtml?utm_source=vanity+URL&utm_medium=print+publication,+ISPB-185,+ISPB-341&utm_term=/CPP&utm_content=Mar+2013,+eng&utm_campaign=OAS+Pension+2013,+Benefits+for+Low+Income+Seniors CPP]''': A person who has worked and contributed to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and then retired can receive a pension from the Canadian government. This is an extra benefit, in addition to the OAS. CPP retirement benefits may begin as early as age 60.
*'''[https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp.html CPP]''': A person who has worked and contributed to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and then retired can receive a pension from the Canadian government. This is an extra benefit, in addition to the OAS. CPP retirement benefits may begin as early as age 60.


*'''[http://www.bchousing.org/Initiatives/Providing/SAFER SAFER]''': BC has the Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters Program (SAFER), which provides monthly cash payments to eligible BC residents who are 60 years or over and pay rent for their homes.
*'''[http://www.bchousing.org/Initiatives/Providing/SAFER SAFER]''': BC has the Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters Program (SAFER), which provides monthly cash payments to eligible BC residents who are 60 years or over and pay rent for their homes.


*Other benefits: Other financial benefits may also be available—including [http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/topic.page?id=FF2B581F15564F43AB4FF487FF509193 employment insurance benefits] if you continue working after age 65, [http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/services/resources/benefits/allbenefits Veterans Affairs Canada benefits], [http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/tpcs/ncm-tx/rtrn/cmpltng/ddctns/lns300-350/menu-eng.html non-refundable tax credits], [http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/topic.page?id=CFFAE6C0FF6E40818B00C2413B3B9ACC BC sales tax credits] and others.
*Other benefits: Other financial benefits may also be available—including [http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/topic.page?id=FF2B581F15564F43AB4FF487FF509193 employment insurance benefits] if you continue working after age 65, [http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/services/resources/benefits Veterans Affairs Canada benefits], [https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/services/financial-toolkit/taxes/taxes-3/7.html refundable and non-refundable tax credits], [http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/topic.page?id=CFFAE6C0FF6E40818B00C2413B3B9ACC BC sales tax credits] and others.


For more information on financial help for seniors, check:
For more information on financial help for seniors, check:


*'''[http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/audiences/seniors/benefits.shtml Income Assistance—for Seniors]''' on the Service Canada website. Or phone Service Canada at 1.800.622.6232.
*'''[https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions.html Public pensions]''' on the Service Canada website. Or phone Service Canada at 1.800.622.6232.
*'''[http://www.canadabenefits.gc.ca/f.1.2ch.4m.2@.jsp?lang=eng CanadaBenefits]'''—the seniors section has a long list of programs and related links. They cover finances, housing, health, and personal safety.
*'''[http://www.canadabenefits.gc.ca/f.1.2ch.4m.2@.jsp?lang=eng CanadaBenefits]'''—the seniors section has a long list of programs and related links. They cover finances, housing, health, and personal safety.
*The '''[http://www.seniorsbc.ca/ BC government seniors website]''' or the '''[http://www.seniorsadvocatebc.ca/ Office of the Seniors Advocate]''' - call 1.877.952.3181 or call the BC Ministry of Health at 1.800.465.4911.
*The '''[http://www.seniorsbc.ca/ BC government seniors website]''' or the '''[http://www.seniorsadvocatebc.ca/ Office of the Seniors Advocate]'''—call 1.877.952.3181 or call the BC Ministry of Health at 1.800.465.4911..
*The '''[http://www.sd.gov.bc.ca/programs/bus-pass.html Bus Pass Program]''' offers lower cost, annual bus passes for low-income seniors and people receiving disability assistance from British Columbia.
*The '''[http://www.sd.gov.bc.ca/programs/bus-pass.html Bus Pass Program]''' offers lower cost, annual bus passes for low-income seniors and people receiving disability assistance from British Columbia.
*The '''[http://www.publiclegaled.bc.ca/category/people-focused/seniors/ Seniors page]''' on the People’s Law School website. It has a lot of information including “[http://www.publiclegaled.bc.ca/when-im-64-housing/ When I’m 64]”. It has a video and a set of booklets covering services, benefits, housing, and other topics.
*The '''[http://www.publiclegaled.bc.ca/category/people-focused/seniors/ Publications page]''' on the People’s Law School website. It has a lot of information including guides in a series called, “'''When I’m 64'''”. It has a video and a set of booklets covering services, benefits, planning for the future, and other topics.  


=Elder abuse=
=Elder abuse=
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*'''[http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/assisted-living-registrar The Assisted Living Registrar]''': The Registrar’s mandate is to protect the health and safety of assisted living residents. Assisted living registry staff [http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/finding-assisted-living-or-residential-care/assisted-living-residences/making-a-complaint-about-an-assisted-living-residence investigate complaints] related to the health and safety of persons living in assisted living residences. Call 250.952.1369 or 1.866.714.3378 (toll-free).
*'''[http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/assisted-living-registrar The Assisted Living Registrar]''': The Registrar’s mandate is to protect the health and safety of assisted living residents. Assisted living registry staff [http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/finding-assisted-living-or-residential-care/assisted-living-residences/making-a-complaint-about-an-assisted-living-residence investigate complaints] related to the health and safety of persons living in assisted living residences. Call 250.952.1369 or 1.866.714.3378 (toll-free).


*'''[http://www.bcceas.ca/ BC Centre for Elder Advocacy & Support]''': This agency provides education, support and advocacy for older adults. Call 604.437.1940 in Vancouver or toll-free 1.866.437.1940 elsewhere in BC.
*'''[http://seniorsfirstbc.ca/ Seniors First BC]''' (previously called BC Centre for Elder Advocacy & Support): This agency provides education, support and advocacy for older adults. Call 604.437.1940 in Vancouver or toll-free 1.866.437.1940 elsewhere in BC.  


*'''[http://www.seniorsadvocatebc.ca/ Office of the Seniors Advocate]''': If you are concerned with the care and service provided to you or a family member by a health authority, call Office of the Seniors Advocate at 1.877.952.3181. The website also has links to many programs and services.
*'''[http://www.seniorsadvocatebc.ca/ Office of the Seniors Advocate]''': If you are concerned with the care and service provided to you or a family member by a health authority, call Office of the Seniors Advocate at 1.877.952.3181. The website also has links to many programs and services.
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You can always change your will as long as you’re mentally competent. Actually, you should change your will whenever your financial or personal circumstances change, or if your beneficiaries change (for example, if a beneficiary dies).
You can always change your will as long as you’re mentally competent. Actually, you should change your will whenever your financial or personal circumstances change, or if your beneficiaries change (for example, if a beneficiary dies).


You should also review your will if you get married or divorced, or you separate, or you live in a marriage-like relationship for at least two years. Under the former law, when a person got married, the marriage automatically revoked or cancelled their existing will. Under the new ''law, the Wills, Estates and Succession Act'' (the Act) that does not happen.
You should also review your will if you get married or divorced, or you separate, or you live in a marriage-like relationship for at least 2 years. Under the former law, when a person got married, the marriage automatically revoked or cancelled their existing will. Under the new ''law, the Wills, Estates and Succession Act'' (the Act) that does not happen.


A gift to a spouse and the appointment of a spouse as an executor are revoked if a person stops being a will-maker’s spouse after a will is made. When do people stop being spouses? Married people and people who have lived in marriage-like relationship for at least 2 years stop being spouses under the Act when they separate.
A gift to a spouse and the appointment of a spouse as an executor are revoked if a person stops being a will-maker’s spouse after a will is made. When do people stop being spouses? Married people and people who have lived in marriage-like relationship for at least 2 years stop being spouses under the Act when they separate.
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[updated November 2016]
[updated July 2018]


'''The above was last edited by John Blois.'''


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