Comfort allowances increased for low-income Islanders

Claretta MacWilliams understands the difference that an increase in the personal comfort allowance can make in the lives of Island seniors.

Her mother spent three years in community care in West Prince before passing away earlier this year. The 2017-18 provincial operating budget increases the comfort allowances for subsidized residents in community care and long-term care as well as social assistance clients.

“This will be such a big help for low-income seniors in community and long-term care,” MacWilliams said. “I am so pleased government took this important step to assist more than 2,000 Islanders who will benefit greatly from this added support.”

The comfort allowance will increase from $120 to $140 per month, helping 550 subsidized residents in community care and 700 social assistance clients.  In addition, the allowance for 820 subsidized residents in long-term care is increasing from $103 to $123 per month.

“These increases will support Islanders who need it most by helping them with their everyday personal living expenses,” said Family and Human Services Minister Tina Mundy. “We want to ensure that low-income Islanders and seniors get help with their basic needs and also for items used for leisure or social purposes as well.” 

“This is great news for Island seniors who will get extra money for their personal use,” said Health and Wellness Minister Robert Henderson. “The majority of our long-term care residents are subsidized, so this will have a broad impact for seniors across the province.”   

The total cost in the 2017-18 budget for the comfort allowance increases is $500,000 – $300,000 for subsidized residents in community care and social assistance clients, and $200,000 for subsidized residents in long-term care.  Both take effect June 1.   

Media contact:
Darlene Gillis
Department of Family and Human Services
ddgillis@gov.pe.ca
902-620-3409