COVID-19 has forced a drastic change in life for all businesses, cities, and individuals of all ages. Now, seniors across the country will be receiving support from the federal government to help with the day to day obstacles they may be facing.

2.5 billion dollars will soon be spread out between seniors in the country as a part of the government's one-time tax-free automatic payment.

"We really appreciate the opportunity to share this information with the seniors in your community," said the Honourable Deb Schulte, Minister of Seniors."Seniors have been facing significant health, economic, and social challenges as a result of the pandemic, and we want to be there to help them."

Seniors eligible for the Old Age Security (OAS) pension, the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), or allowances will receive this payment without needing to apply.

"For those seniors on OAS, they will be receiving their special tax-free automatic payments of $300 this week. For those on GIS, they will be receiving an additional $200. So for a low-income couple, both on GIS, they will be receiving $1000 to support them with all the additional costs that they have been facing."

6.7 million seniors across Canada receive OIS, while an additional 2.2 million seniors in the country receive GIS.

"It took a little bit of time to make sure that we created a measure that seniors did not have to apply for, they would get it automatically. If it was something they had to apply for, not every senior would be able to do it. They also may be vulnerable to scams, so we wanted to make it automatic so that all seniors that should get this benefit, get it."

Seniors who reside in Canada can expect to receive the payment by direct deposit or cheque later this week.