The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has not announced a $2500 payment for seniors this April. Despite rumors circulating on social media, there is no official confirmation of such an increase in senior benefits. Seniors currently receive Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) payments.
The OAS amount is $727.67 for those aged 65 to 74 and $800.44 for those 75 and older. GIS payments are either $1086.88 or $654.23, depending on marital status. While seniors can defer their OAS pension until age 70 to receive a higher monthly payment of $989.63, the GIS does not offer this option.
The current OAS and GIS amounts do not add up to $2500, even when considering deferred OAS payments. The CRA is committed to helping seniors address financial challenges amid ongoing inflation and rising living expenses. However, the proposed $2500 monthly increase remains unsubstantiated, with no formal announcements or approvals made.
To prevent falling victim to scams, seniors should note that the CRA does not request personal or financial information via mail or phone. Always check reliable sources, such as the official Service Canada website or www.canada.ca, for accurate updates.
No new $2500 payment for seniors
Seniors can take steps to maximize their pension benefits:
1. Delay CPP payments to increase the payout by 8.4% each year past age 65 (up to age 70). 2.
Apply for OAS supplements like GIS and other provincial programs for low-income seniors. 3. Make regular contributions to maximize your future CPP entitlements, especially if you are self-employed.
4. Plan for taxes, as both CPP and OAS payments are taxable. Consider income splitting with a spouse or using tax-efficient accounts like Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs).
In conclusion, the promise of a $2500 benefit for seniors remains unconfirmed. Rely on official communications from Service Canada and the CRA for credible information regarding pension benefits. Visit canada.ca for more official news and updates.
Image Credits: Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash
