Do you receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement, Allowance or Allowance for the Survivor Benefit? If so, Employment and Social Development Canada and Service Canada has an important reminder for you.

During the week of October 5, 2020, Service Canada sent reminder letters and Statement of Income forms to clients in receipt of these benefits whose income information for 2019 had not been received.

These individuals received a ‘reminder kit’ requesting completion and submission of the Statement of Income form. The reminder kit contains:
• a reminder letter;
• a Statement of Income form and instruction sheet; and,
• a self-addressed return envelope.

Each year in July, an individual’s ongoing entitlement to benefits is reviewed based on the most recent income information. Because of the pandemic, individuals who could not be assessed due to a lack of income information continued to receive payments and were notified by letter in July 2020 that income information must be provided. This special measure has ensured that individuals who have not provided income information continue to receive their benefits uninterrupted; however this measure expires in December 2020.

Individuals who have not yet submitted their 2019 income information should do so as soon as possible. Individuals who do not submit their income information will not receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement, Allowance or the Allowance for the Survivor in January 2021.

If you do not have access to the internet or face other barriers, the Service Canada Outreach Support Centre will ensure you will get access to the critical benefits you need. For support or for more information, please call the Service Canada Outreach Support Line at 1-877-355-2657 TTY: 1-833-719-2657 from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm Monday to Friday.

Struggling to make ends meet? Looking to improve your financial health. Please contact our Financial Literacy Coordinator – Caroline to arrange an appointment. Interested individuals may reach out to her directly at advice@unitedwaybg.com or by phone at 519-378-4773. The service is free and completely confidential.