A Special Needs Assistance for Seniors application form needs to be submitted once during a benefit year. If you have more special need expenses during the same benefit year, you only need to submit an estimate or receipt. Your original application will be reassessed.

Your prior year's income information, as reported to the Canada Revenue Agency, will be used to assess your application. However, if you reported business, farming, or rental income or losses, you will need to submit your tax return with your application form.

The application form includes a section to list your special need expenses. Supporting documentation is required as described in this booklet.

If you have a spouse/partner, all spousal/partner information must be completed on the application form. The term "partner" applies to adults living common-law or in an adult interdependent relationship.

PLEASE NOTE: Your application form will be returned to you, if it has not been signed by both you and your spouse/partner.

Supporting Documentation

Please ensure that you have included all the information needed to support your application. You may be contacted for more information about your specific situation, if it is required to complete the assessment of the application. If additional information is not provided, the application will be assessed with the information on hand or the file may be closed if the missing information is critical to making a decision.

What happens after you apply?

Your application will be thoroughly reviewed by Special Needs Assistance for Seniors staff. It may take about three weeks to process your application, and longer if additional information must be requested. There are also times during the year when the volume of applications increase, which may result in a longer processing time.

When a decision has been made on your application, you will receive a letter notifying you of the decision and if you will receive a cheque.

Assistance is available to complete your application

If you have difficulty completing your Special Needs Assistance application form, help is available by calling the Seniors Information Line.

Do not submit certain bills and receipts with your application.