Who is eligible for the Senior Care grant in Nova Scotia?

As of September 2025, Nova Scotia's Seniors Care Grant offers up to $750 annually to help eligible residents cover household and healthcare expenses. Anyone wondering who is eligible for the Senior Care grant in Nova Scotia must meet specific criteria, including age, income, and residency requirements, to receive this valuable financial support.

Quick Summary

This article outlines the specific eligibility criteria for the Nova Scotia Seniors Care Grant, including age and income thresholds, housing status, and residency requirements, along with details on what expenses are covered and how to apply.

Key Points

• Age and Income Thresholds: Applicants must be 65 years or older by March 31, 2026, with an annual household net income of $45,100 or less.

• Residency and Housing: Eligibility requires being a Nova Scotia resident who lives independently in a home you own or rent, as proven by a property title, lease, or other approved document.

• Eligible Expenses: The grant covers costs for household services (e.g., snow removal), home heating, healthcare services (e.g., physiotherapy), communication services, and transportation. A full list can be found on {Link: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JohnLohrKingsNorth/posts/the-seniors-care-grant-provides-eligible-nova-scotia-seniors-with-750-tohelp-wit/1213744410556956/}.

• Application Period: Applications for the 2025-2026 program year are open until March 31, 2026.

• Application Methods: You can apply online, by mail, or by fax.

• Receipt Retention: You are required to keep receipts for eligible expenses for a set period after applying, in case you are selected for an audit.

• Annual Reapplication: The grant is not automatically renewed; you must reapply each year to receive the benefit.

Seniors Care Grant Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Seniors Care Grant in Nova Scotia, applicants must meet specific criteria related to their age, household income, and living situation. The program aims to help eligible seniors live independently at home.

Age and Residency Qualifications

Applicants must be Nova Scotia residents aged 65 or older by March 31, 2026, for the current program year. They must live independently in their own home or apartment, not in a facility with non-spouse caregivers. Proof of residency and living situation, such as a property title or lease agreement, is required.

Income Thresholds

The Seniors Care Grant is an income-tested program. For the 2025-2026 program year, the annual household net income must be $45,100 or less. The application period runs from September 1 to March 31.

Eligible Expenses Covered by the Grant

The grant provides up to $750 per household for various services supporting independent living. Eligible expenses include certain healthcare services, home heating, household services, meal/grocery delivery (excluding food), phone/internet (excluding devices), and transportation. Applicants should keep receipts for potential audits.

Comparison of Nova Scotia Senior Grants

The Seniors Care Grant supports eligible seniors to live at home, unlike the Caregiver Benefit which aids caregivers of adults with disabilities.

Feature	Seniors Care Grant	Caregiver Benefit Program
Primary Recipient	The senior	The caregiver
Age Requirement	65 or older	Care recipient 19+, caregiver 19+
Primary Purpose	Help seniors remain at home	Support caregivers of low-income adults with disabilities
Financial Amount (as of 2025/2026)	Up to $750 annually	$400 monthly to caregiver
Needs Assessment	Income-tested	Requires care coordinator assessment
Income Threshold	$45,100 or less	Care recipient in home care income Category A

Application Details and Submission

Applications are processed through Service Nova Scotia. The application period is typically from September to March 31st annually. You can apply online, by mail, or by fax. Paper forms are available at Access Nova Scotia centres and MLA offices. You will need your Social Insurance Number and date of birth. Remember to keep receipts for eligible expenses.

Additional Support and Important Notes

Only one application per household is allowed annually. Payments can be made via direct deposit or cheque. For information on other continuing care programs, visit the {Link: Nova Scotia Health website https://www.nshealth.ca/content/continuing-care}.

Conclusion

The Seniors Care Grant assists eligible low-income seniors in Nova Scotia with up to $750 annually for household and healthcare services. Eligibility requires being 65+, having an annual household income of $45,100 or less for 2025-2026, and living independently. Applying requires meeting these criteria and following the process via Service Nova Scotia.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the age requirement for the Seniors Care Grant in Nova Scotia?

For the current program year, you must be 65 years of age or older by March 31, 2026, to be eligible for the Seniors Care Grant.

What is the income cutoff for the Seniors Care Grant?

The annual household net income threshold for the 2025-2026 program year is $45,100 or less.

What expenses can the Seniors Care Grant be used for?

The grant can cover home heating, household services, healthcare services, communication services, and transportation. For a more detailed list, see {Link: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JohnLohrKingsNorth/posts/the-seniors-care-grant-provides-eligible-nova-scotia-seniors-with-750-tohelp-wit/1213744410556956/}.

Do I need to live alone to get the Seniors Care Grant?

No, you do not need to live alone. You must live independently in your own home or apartment, but you can reside with a spouse or partner. You are not eligible if you live with a caregiver who is not a spouse or partner.

How much is the Seniors Care Grant?

The Seniors Care Grant provides up to $750 per eligible household.

Is the Seniors Care Grant related to the Caregiver Benefit?

No, they are separate programs. The Seniors Care Grant is for the senior themselves, while the Caregiver Benefit is paid to caregivers who assist low-income adults with significant impairments.

How do I apply for the Seniors Care Grant?

You can apply online, by mail, or by fax. Paper applications are available at Access Nova Scotia centres and MLA offices.