Low-income seniors across Nova Scotia are receiving meaningful tax relief this week, as our PC government sends refunds to about 20,000 eligible residents through a program offered only in Nova Scotia.
The average refund is $1,532, for a total of $30.6 million returned to seniors who need it most. At a time when affordability remains top of mind for families and seniors alike, this refund is helping put money back into the pockets of Nova Scotians.
“Everyone is concerned about affordability and, for our low-income seniors, every dollar makes a difference,” said Barbara Adams, PC Minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care, on behalf of John Lohr, PC Minister of Finance and Treasury Board. “We’re happy to give this money back to the people who need it most. They’ll put it to good use.”
Nova Scotian seniors who receive the federal Guaranteed Income Supplement and pay provincial income tax are eligible for a refund on their provincial tax.
The number of eligible seniors has more than doubled, rising from 8,410 recipients in 2020 to about 20,000 in 2025. That increase reflects both Nova Scotia’s aging population and changes to the federal Guaranteed Income Supplement earnings exemption, which allows more seniors to keep working while continuing to receive benefits.
This is a straightforward program designed to make life easier. The Province determines eligibility and issues refunds based on income tax returns, so seniors do not need to apply separately. Those who have not yet filed a 2025 tax return can still receive the refund once they file.
For our PC government, this is about protecting seniors’ budgets as the cost of living rises and making sure practical support reaches the people who need it most. Learn more about our progress for seniors here.