Help For Seniors – New Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program and Education Property Tax Assistance

The Government of Alberta is kicking off a new program this year designed to help seniors who are in financial need. It is called the “Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program”. This program allows eligible seniors, who are homeowners, the opportunity to defer their property taxes in part or whole through a low interest home equity loan.
Seniors who apply would enter into an agreement where the Government of Alberta would pay property taxes to the municipality on the eligible senior’s behalf. The loan and interest is repaid upon the sale of the seniors house, or sooner if desired.
In order to qualify for this program, you must be over 65 years of age and a homeowner who resides in Alberta. For those who are struggling on a fixed income, this may allow seniors who own their homes to stay in them longer by freeing up funds they would normally designate for taxes.
“We’ve heard from seniors that it gets harder and harder each year to pay their increasing property taxes, especially because their retirement incomes stay the same,” said George VanderBurg, Minister of Seniors. “A seniors’ property tax deferral program will give seniors the opportunity to take advantage of the value in their home. It will help them to be more independent and live in their homes longer, without the burden of increasing property taxes.”
To view the Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program Act, please see http://www.qp.alberta.ca/documents/Acts/s07p2.pdf. If you require any further assistance, please contact Community Services at 403-207-7060.
Another program seniors could benefit from is the “Education Property Tax Assistance Program” offered through the Government of Alberta. This program provides seniors a rebate for the year-to-year increases in the education portion of their property taxes. In order to qualify, seniors must be 65 years of age or older, have had an increase in their education portion of their taxes, be a homeowner and resident of Alberta. For details on this program or to apply, visit http://www.health.alberta.ca/seniors/property-tax-assistance.html or contact the Alberta Supports Contact Centre at 1-877-644-9992.