Over 130,000 seniors throughout Newfoundland and Labrador will receive a one-time payment of up to $500 as part of a new measure to help with the rising cost of living.

The Seniors Affordability Payment, totaling over $64 million, was announced today by the Honourable Tony Wakeham, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Craig Pardy, Minister of Finance and Minister of Seniors.

Payments are expected to begin before the end of 2026. Seniors with an income of up to $75,000 will receive $500. Those who earn between $75,000 and $100,000 will receive a payment based on income. Additional eligibility information is included in the backgrounder below.

Including this investment, additional affordability measures announced by the Provincial Government since October 22 now total $143 million. These measures include the Churchill Falls Electricity Rebate, the doubling of the maximum Home Heating Supplement, and removal of the provincial gas tax on gasoline and diesel from December 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027.

Including Budget 2026 initiatives, these measures total more than $340 million in targeted affordability relief to help make life more affordable for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

Quotes
“We know the rising cost of living is putting pressure on all of us, and our government is taking action to help. The Seniors Affordability Payment will provide meaningful, direct support to seniors, alongside measures we have already introduced to lower everyday costs. We will continue taking practical action to make life more affordable for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Honourable Tony Wakeham
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Seniors have contributed so much to our communities and our province, and our government is committed to ensuring they have the supports they need to live healthy, independent lives. This new payment helps us achieve that goal. By providing this direct support to seniors, we are providing relief as they manage everyday costs.”
Honourable Craig Pardy
Minister of Finance
Minister of Seniors

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BACKGROUNDER

Seniors Affordability Payment  

• Eligible seniors with an individual adjusted net income of up to $75,000 will receive $500.

• Seniors with an individual adjusted net income between $75,000 and $100,000 will receive a partial payment, with a minimum payment of $100.

• Eligible seniors must have been 65 years of age as of December 31, 2025, and must file their 2025 income tax return by December 31, 2026.
• No application is required.
• The following are examples of payment amounts, based on income.

• Payments are expected to begin before the end of 2026 and will be issued by cheque by the Department of Finance using personal income tax information obtained from the Canada Revenue Agency.

• Over 130,000 seniors are expected to receive a payment, providing an estimated $64 million in affordability relief.