BC Housing helps with subsidized and affordable housing in the province.

Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER)
This program helps peopel 60 and over with monthly cash payments to subsidize their rent for their homes. For an application form visit http://www.bchousing.org

This government agency aims to help low-income and older Canadians, people with disabilities and First Nations live in decent, affordable homes.

Home Adaptations for Seniors' Independence (HASI)
Web site: www.cmhc.ca/en/ab/noho/noho_006.cfm
Helps some home owners and landlords to pay for minor home repairs so that low-income seniors can still live in their homes on their own. Visit the website for more information.

Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program for Persons with Disabilities (RRAP-Disabilities)
Web site: www.cmhc.ca/en/co/prfinas/prfinas_003.cfm
Helps homeowners and landlords pay for home repairs in housing for low-income persons with disabilities to make the home more accessible.

There are a number of financial assistance programs and benefits for seniors from the governments of Canada and BC. See the website for more information.

Allowance
301-4930 No. 3 Rd.
Richmond,  BC   V6X 3A5   (Map)
Phone:  604-273-6431
Fax:  604-666-1119
Toll Free:  1-800-277-9914
The Allowance gives money to low-income seniors who are 60 to 64 years old, are Canadian citizens of legal residents, have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18, and whose spouse or common-law partner gets or can get the GIS and OAS. See the website or call the Richmond office for information on how to apply.

Allowance for the Survivor
301 - 4930 No. 3 Rd.
Richmond,  BC   V6X 3A5   (Map)
Phone:  604-273-6431
Fax:  604-666-1119
Toll Free:  1-800-277-9914
Provides a monthly non-taxable credit to low-income widows who can not yet get the Old Age Security pension. See the website or call the Richmond office for more information on how to apply.

Bus Pass Program
Toll Free:  1-866-866-0800
Low-income seniors or persons with disabilities may qualify for the bus pass if they are already receiving other forms of government assistance.The pass is $45 per year, or less if part of that year has already passed

Canada Pension Plan - CPP
Toll Free:  1-800-277-9914
This pension is a monthly payment available to people who contributed to this plan while they were working and are at least 65 years of age, or are between 60 and 64 and meet the earning requirements set out in the legislation. Applications can be downloaded from the www.canadabenefits.gc.ca website. Call the toll-free number for more information.

Guaranteed Income Supplement - GIS
Toll Free:  1-800-277-9914
This program provides a monthly non-taxable benefit to eligible people who are receiving low-income Old Age Security Find more information by calling the toll-free number or looking at the website.

Old Age Security - OAS
Toll Free:  1-800-277-9914
This pension provides a monthly taxable benefit to persons 65 years of age and over. Applications can be found on the www.canadabenefits.gc.ca website.Call the toll-free number or look at the website fore more information.

Senior's Supplement (Province of BC)
Toll Free:  1-866-866-0800
The Senior's Supplement is a guaranteed monthly income for BC residents who are getting the federal Guaranteed Income Supplement as well as the Old Age Security pension or federal Allowances. There is no need to apply as it is paid automatically to those who should be getting it. Call the toll-free number for more information.

A non-profit charitable organization with a tradition of caring for those in most need. Services include Meals on Wheels, Chinese Meals on Wheels, and flu shots and health education.

Meals on Wheels
Phone:  604-732-7638
Fax:  604-733-6698
Meals can be delivered to people in Richmond and Vancouver who are unable to shop or prepare their own meals. Call for meal prices. Meals are delivered Monday to Friday between 11:00am and 1:00pm Phone: Western Meals on Wheels: 604-732-7638 Chinese Meals on Wheels: 604-292-7200

The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) provids universal auto insurance for BC motorists. They also handle driver licensing, vehicle registration and licensing, and commercial vehicle compliance. Hours are 8:30am to 4:30pm Mon-Fri.

Seniors' Rate
Web site: www.icbc.com/autoplan/costs/save-money/senior-discount
If you are 65 or older and use your car only for pleasure, you may be able to get a 25% discount on your Basic Autoplan insurance. Both the registered owner and the principal operator of the car must be 65 or older to qualify and you will have to change you rate class to receive this discount.

BC Seniors' Guide
Web site: www.cserv.gov.bc.ca/seniors
Toll Free:  1-800-465-4911
E-mail: feedback@gov.bc.ca
This guide has information about programs and services for seniors in BC. It is also printed in Chinese, French and Punjabi. You can also call the toll-free BC Seniors' Line for information about government services.

This government ministry provides income assistance to those in need, and helps people move from income assistance to employment.

Seniors Supplement (Province of BC)
Web site: www.canadabenefits.gc.ca
9950 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria,  BC   V8W 9R3   (Map)
Toll Free:  1-888-387-3743
The Seniors Supplement is a guaranteed monthly income for BC residents who are receiving the federal Guaranteed Income Supplement as well as the Old Age Security pension or federal Allowances. For more information call the toll-free number (dial 4, then 1).

An activity centre for seniors age 55 and over. Ongoing activities include billiards, bingo, bridge, crib, mah jong, outings, manicures and more. Classes offered include art, dancing, and fitness. Membership is $20 per year.

Hearing Clinic
Seniors can discuss their hearing concerns or have their hearing level tested. The clinic runs on the third Thursday of each month from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Call to book an appointment.

Income Tax Clinic
Offers free income tax appointments Monday through Friday during March and April for those over age 65 who have an annual income of $25,000 or less. The volunteers who help complete your income tax forms are trained by Revenue Canada or are certified accountants.

Manicures and Pedicures
Offered every Tuesday for a fee. Call for an appointment.

Minoru Place Cafeteria
Phone:  604-718-8461
Provides hot meals and snacks at reasonable prices.

Seniors' Wellness Clinic and Holistic Health Services
Blood pressure monitoring by volunteer nurses, along with a wide variety of health related information are available the 3rd Wednesday of every month, form 9:00 to 11:30am. These services are FREE of charge. Holistic health services are also available in conjunction with the clinics for a minimum donation of $8.00. Call 604-718-8450 for your appointment for Reflexology, Reiki, manicures, pedicures and more.

Helps immigrants and refugees settle into life in Richmond. Services include translation, interpretation, and free basic English language training.

Chai At Chaupal
Free program for South Asian seniors to relax, have tea, share ideas and opinions, discuss general topics and volunteer. Mondays from 10:30am - 12:30pm at the India Cultural Centre, 8600 No.5 Road, Richmond and Tuesdays from 12:00pm - 2:00pm at the Cambie Community Centre Boardroom, 12800 Cambie Road, Richmond.

Multicultural Seniors Group
Holds meetings every Wednesday afternoon to give seniors a chance to meet other seniors, and receive information in an informal, relaxed, and friendly setting.

We are a team of public health practitioners working with our community to promote and protect health and to prevent injury and illness. We help children, youth, adults, families and neighbourhoods to be as healthy as possible.

Falls Prevention Program for Older Adults
8100 Granville Ave.
Richmond,  BC   V6Y 3T6   (Map)
Phone:  604-233-3150
Learn about how to prevent falls and injuries. Services are free and no referral is necessary. Call 604-233-3150 to speak with a team member.

Provides seniors information and support to clients in the Lower Mainland. Offers special services for seniors in New Westminster only. See the website for more information or to view the Seniors Housing Directory.

Housing Directory
E-mail: info@seniorsservicessociety.ca
A directory of over 2000 listings of seniors housing in the Lower Mainland. See the directory online on the website.

Housing Services
E-mail: housing@seniorsservicessociety.ca
Trained counsellors will help you find housing services or you can use the Housing Directory on the website.

Meals Programs
Hot meals are delivered to those who cannot cook because of age, disability or illness. Also offers a Lunch and Dining Club where transport and meals are provided for seniors. Serves New Westminster residents.

Shop By Phone
E-mail: support@seniorsservicessociety.ca
Volunteers grocery shop for seniors and those who are disabled and unable to do their own shopping. Serves New Westminster.

TransLink is Metro Vancouver's regional transportation authority. They are responsible for the public transportion in Metro Vancouver.

HandyCard
Web site: www.translink.ca/en/Rider-Info/Accessible-Transit/HandyCard-Taxi-Saver.aspx
13401 108 Ave.
Surrey,  BC   V3T 5T4   (Map)
Phone:  778-452-2860
People with a permanent disability that prevents them from using public transit without help can travel at reduced rates with a HandyCard. An attendant can travel free. Application forms are available on the TransLink website. With a HandyCard, you can also purchase TaxiSaver coupons, which allow you to pay for taxi rides at reduced rates. HandyCards cannot be used with the HandyDART.

HandyDART
Web site: www.translink.ca/en/Rider-Info/HandyDART.aspx
Phone:  604-575-6600
HandyDART provides transportation in special vans for people who cannot use public transit without assistance due to a physical or cognitive disability. Phone the office or visit their website for more information and to register.

Information Line
Phone:  604-953-3333
Call for information about bus routes, schedules and fares. Call 7 days a week, between 6:30am and 11:30pm. The website also includes a trip planner and transit maps.

Lost & Found
Stadium Sky Train Station 590 Beatty Street
Vancouver,  BC   Phone:  604-682-7887
E-mail: lost_property@translink.bc.ca
Operates Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm

Offers care in the community for people who have health problems. Call to make an appointment to have your health care needs reviewed or just to get more information. If you would like, a relative or friend can phone for you. There will be a visit to discuss your health care needs and the support you get from family and friends.

Case Management
Phone:  604-278-3361
Case managers help to arrange home support for those unable to care for themselves due to health problems. There is a cost for some services. Call for more information.

Home Support
Phone:  604-270-8105
Home support is given to those unable to care for themselves due to disabilities or other medical problems. The cost depends on your income.

Integrated Hospice Palliative Care Services
Phone:  604-278-3361
The Integrated Hospice Palliative Care program provides end of life care throughout the patients' journey. Staff follow the client from their homes through to the palliative care unit to the hospice or in residential care. Clients in need of this service can call and a clinical consult team member will be in contact with them. The clinical consult team is made up of a social worker, clinical nurse specialist and clinical program manager, that is a physician who specializes in palliative care.

Long Term Care Facilities
Phone:  604-278-3361
For adults who can no longer live on their own, care homes offer 24-hour care. The cost depends on income. To move into most of these homes, you must be referred by Continuing Health.

Volunteer Shopping Programs
Web site: www.volunteerrichmond.ca
190 - 7000 Minoru Blvd.
Richmond,  BC   V6Y 3Z5   (Map)
Phone:  604-279-7020
Fax:  604-279-7038
Volunteer Richmond Information Services works in partnership with Vancouver Coastal Health to provide shopping assistance for seniors and others with chronic health problems. The Shop-by-Phone service is for those who cannot get out to shop for their groceries. Volunteers also assist Continuing Health clients with group shopping or weekly in-person shopping at various locations.

A non-profit organization that brings people and services together through community information and volunteerism.

Richmond Senior Peer Counselling
Trained senior volunteers support and guide their peers through difficult times - new living situations, dealing with the death of a loved one, retirement issues, reduced income, anxiety and despair. Seniors receive free weekly counselling for up to six months.

Seniors Community Support Services - Volunteer Shopping Programs
Volunteer Richmond Information Services works in partnership with Vancouver Coastal Health to provide shopping assistance for seniors and others with chronic health problems. The Shop-by-Phone service is for those who cannot get out to shop for their groceries. Volunteers also assist Continuing Health clients with group shopping or weekly in-person shopping at various location.

Seniors Information & Referral
E-mail: infoandreferral@volunteerrichmond.ca
Trained volunteers help individuals who are 55 years of age and older, or have chronic health problems, find the assistance and resources they need, either by phone or in person. Volunteers offer a wide variety of information on topics of concern to seniors-including housing, government pensions, BC Medical Plan, and much more. As well, volunteers can help clients complete government forms and /or access and print them. All services are free of charge. Call to make an appointment at either the VRIS office or at the West Richmond Community Centre. For service by phone call the Seniors Information Line, 9am - 4pm, Monday to Friday.