More than 130,000 seniors in Newfoundland and Labrador will receive a one-time payment of up to $500 to help offset rising living costs.
The Progressive Conservative government announced the Seniors Affordability Payment on Nov. 2, a program that will cost the government more than $64 million.
The government said it will begin sending out payments before the end of this year. The program says seniors earning up to $75,000 will receive $500, while those earning up to $100,000 will receive a lower payment, based on income. Seniors earning more than $100,000 will be ineligible for payment.
The payments decrease on a sliding scale. For example, a senior with adjusted net income of $80,000 would receive $420, while someone with income of $85,000 would receive $340. Payments fall to $260 at $90,000, $180 at $95,000 and $100 at $100,000.
Eligible recipients must have been at least 65 years old by Dec. 31, 2025, and file their 2025 income tax returns by Dec. 31, 2026. No application is required, and payments will be issued by cheque using tax information from the Canada Revenue Agency.
Finance and Seniors Minister Craig Pardy said many seniors are struggling with rising living costs, particularly those on fixed incomes.
“They are looking for support to help manage everyday expenses,” Pardy said during the Nov. 2 announcement at the Torbay Common community centre.
The payment is part of a package of affordability measures announced by the provincial government in recent weeks. The government said it has committed $143 million in additional relief since Oct. 22, bringing total affordability spending this year to more than $340 million, including measures in the 2026 budget.
Premier Tony Wakeham highlighted a 20 percent increase in the provincial seniors benefit in the 2026 budget and a doubling of funding available through home repair and modification programs.
Opposition politicians have criticized the government’s response to rising living costs, calling for more immediate financial relief for residents.
Liberal Leader John Hogan told the legislature on Oct. 27 that residents are struggling to afford groceries, gasoline, and other everyday necessities, and questioned whether the government’s approach would provide sufficient assistance.
“People are hurting, Minister. They need help,” Hogan said.
NDP Leader Jim Dinn also raised affordability concerns in an Oct. 21 statement, saying the financial pressures were particularly difficult for residents living on fixed incomes.
“The reality is that people on low or fixed incomes, as well as middle-class families who once lived comfortably, are now struggling to keep their heads above water,” Dinn said.
He called for further action to address rising grocery prices and other household expenses, saying residents could not afford to wait for relief.
