Filing your income taxes? Don't forget to claim the new BC Renter's Tax Credit. If you are a renter with a low-to-moderate income, you could be eligible for up to $400.
⏳The deadline to file is April 30!
Find out more: ow.ly/EqNR50RjsVX

Did you know that 33% of Canadian seniors are volunteers? People 65+ give an average 222 hours per year - more than any age group!

On #NationalVolunteerWeek we thank all senior volunteers for giving generously of their time and experience.

BCNPHA's Extreme Heat & Wildfire Smoke webinar is happening online on May 8 from 9:30-11am PST. Learn to identify people who may be vulnerable to heat and wildfire smoke, plus how to mitigate extreme heat and air quality risk for people and property. bcnpha.ca/events-learnin…

Advance Care Planning Day is a chance to talk about our preferences for future health-care treatments. By planning ahead, we put our values at the centre of crucial decisions we can’t make for ourselves.  
news.gov.bc.ca/30706

On Advance Care Planning Day, we encourage you to share your wishes for future health care treatment with loved ones and those who will be making decisions for you when you are no longer able to. Find out more about advanced care planning - ow.ly/x61R50Rhu5j

Several Vancouver hospitals have launched the Hospital at Home program, providing acute-level care from the comfort of the patient's own home. It is a safe, internationally recognized model designed to improve patient comfort, privacy and independence. ow.ly/GOFk50RgtGn

Surrey seniors, families and caregivers will soon benefit from expanded adult day program services offering 162 new spaces per week. Operated by Progressive Intercultural Society, the adult day program is specially designed for South Asian seniors.
news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024H…

NEW PAPER: Opportunities and Obstacles to Shifting the Paradigm. Dr. Bonnie-Jeanne MacDonald (Bonnie-Jeanne MacDonald) discusses why people claim #CPP #QPP benefits earlier than they should and why better claiming behaviour is important. niageing.ca/cpp-qpp

SCAM ALERT ⚠️

We are implementing a series of improvements to the SAFER program so more seniors will be eligible for rental assistance, and that assistance is being increased. Recipients will receive the one-time benefit with their regular RAP or SAFER payment in April 2024.

While the peak of the respiratory illness season has passed, the SARS CoV-2 virus continues to circulate at lower levels. As the protection from infection that COVID-19 vaccines provide decreases over time, it’s a good idea to get your spring booster #BC .
news.gov.bc.ca/30640

A one-time $430 benefit is coming for families + seniors who are part of RAP or SAFER. This funding aims to ease the pressure on BC residents, ensuring they can remain in their homes. news.bchousing.org/safer-improved…

The April OSA Update is hot off the press, packed with important information on current issues and valuable resources for B.C. #seniors . ow.ly/vmxJ50RbKiL

Don't miss out - sign up now to receive our monthly newsletter and stay informed ow.ly/UsVM50RbKiM

New improvements to the Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters program will help support low-income senior renters. Recipients will receive a one-time $430 benefit and see increases in their monthly subsidy.
news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024H…

New B.C. rental rules prohibit evictions for personal use in purpose-built buildings with 5+ units and require landlords to use a standardized process to generate a notice to evict a tenant for personal use. Read more about these changes and others: ow.ly/uH1E50R6U3o

On National Caregiver Day, let's recognize and appreciate the often unseen and unpaid work of B.C.'s family caregivers whose 'labour of love' help ensure seniors in our province age with dignity and grace.
ow.ly/aukU50R6Rky

Our office will be closed from March 29 to April 1, 2024 for the Easter long weekend. Information and referral calls will be answered via BC211. Have a safe and happy spring holiday!

Residents and seniors in the Kitimat area will soon have access to high-quality dementia care at a new long-term care home.
news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024H…

📢 Did you know that many important seniors' benefits are based on your yearly income tax return? Don't miss out on crucial supports like GIS, SAFER or the new Canadian Dental Care Plan. Be sure to file by April 30!

Click for tax tips for B.C. seniors ow.ly/mukg50QZVKa

OSA staff will be at the Kits House Seniors Wellness Fair this Thursday, March 21 in Vancouver. Come by our booth to say hello and learn more about our office!

Please join us in welcoming new BC Seniors Advocate Dan Levitt! He has been a tireless champion of seniors' rights for over 30 years and will continue supporting seniors and their loved ones through his work at the Office of the Seniors Advocate. ow.ly/UxZO50QVXiw