PDF Download Letter to seniors in reference to subsidy
TO: LLRIB Band Seniors over the age of 65 years
Re: Band Member Subsidy for seniors over 65 years of age
This is to inform you that there are changes to the seniors’ subsidy. LLRIB had a significant increase in the expenditures that has been provided to seniors. This was a monthly subsidy that Council had introduced to assist seniors with the high cost of mortgage/rent, utilities, power or propane. In January 2019, the monthly subsidy was increased from $300.00 to $400.00.
In 2021-2022, the number of seniors receiving assistance through this program was 202. In 2022-2023 the number of seniors requesting assistance reached 282. The Elders’ subsidy program has been in deficit every year for the last five years, the projected accumulated deficit will be $1.2 million at the end of this fiscal year, 2023-2024. LLRIB does not receive any funding to provide this subsidy for seniors. In previous years, LLRIB was allocating resources from its own-source revenues, fuel tax rebate, bingo, Kitsaki Manangement Limited Partnership (KMLP), and casino.
There are many other needs/requests from Band members, including, recreation (JRMCC programs), emergency funds (emergencies due to health/hospitalizations – immediate family visits, wakes, funerals), off-reserve assistance for band members, trappers’ assistance, food bank donations, turkeys, flour, and fair tickets, etc. All these programs/services are non-funded programs. LLRIB must find or use its own-source revenues to provide these subsidies/benefits.
The Internal council has had to make a difficult decision due to the increased demand for resources. Therefore, a decision has been made to lower the monthly financial subsidy for seniors from $400.00 to $300.00, effective June 1, 2023.
All seniors must be eligible for this monthly subsidy. All seniors will have to submit a new application for the current year. This new application must be completed no later than October 1, 2023, and must include the following:
- Completed Senior Subsidy Application Form
- Rental or lease agreement, as proof of residency
- Up-to-date Notice of Assessment, proof of income
Seniors that are not registered homeowners or do not have Rental Agreements are not eligible. Employed seniors are not eligible. Households (combined household income) that earn more than $35,000.00 are not eligible. The annual subsidy shall not exceed $3,600.00 (12 months x $300.00).
Sincerely,
LLRIB Management
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