Just Ask Seniorsnl
Real questions asked by seniors and those who support them
Question: During COVID-19, I haven’t been able to get to the food bank, but I really need help getting food. Where can I go for help?
Answer: Lots of seniors have found themselves in a similar situation since COVID-19 hit, and even before that as sometimes other factors can make it difficult to get to a food bank. However, a new NL Community Food Helpline has been started for those who need extra help with getting food delivered to them – whether because of COVID-19 or other health or financial issues. The food helpline is answered during business hours but you can also leave a message and they will call you back. Here are the contact numbers: Food Helpline for St. John’s Metro Area: 709-703-4544 and Food Helpline for all areas outside of St. John’s: 709-572-3333.
Q: I am very confused about when the deadline is to file my taxes. Now that it has been delayed by COVID-19, I have heard dates in June, September and October. When is the actual tax deadline?
A: The actual deadline for individuals to file their taxes was June 1, 2020. So if you haven’t filed your taxes yet, you should do so as soon as possible.
However, don’t panic if you haven’t done it yet. For anyone who owes money to the government when they file their taxes, they have until September 1, 2020 to file and pay without being charged a late-filing penalty or interest. And if you are a low-income senior who receives the Guaranteed Income Supplement, you have until October 1 to get your taxes filed before this benefit is affected. To keep receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement, you must file your taxes every year.
If your income is under $35,000 as an individual (or $45,000 for a couple) and you have a simple tax return, you can still get help from the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program to file your taxes. They can be reached at 1-855-516-4405.
Do you have a question that you would like answered in this column? If so, send it to Seniorsnl by email at info@seniorsnl.ca or by mail to 243 Topsail Road, Suite 110, St. John’s, NL A1E 0G5. Or feel free to call with a question about a seniors’ issue, service or concern on our toll-free information line at 1-800563-5599.