The Prime Minister has announced a $2.5 billion program to provide a one-time, tax-free payment of $300 for seniors eligible for the Old Age Security pension. There will be an additional $200 for those who are eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement. It’s to help cover costs caused by COVID-19. There will also be a $20 million payment to support organizations that offer community-based projects to reduce isolation, improve the quality of life for seniors, and help them maintain a social support network.

The federal government previously announced a $1.3 billion dollar, one-time program which allowed more than four million seniors a top-up of, on average, $375 for singles and $510 for couples.