News Release Archive
BUSINESS/CONSUMER SERVICES--DIRECT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM INTRODUCED ----------------------------------------------------------------- Applications for the Nova Scotia government's Direct Assistance Program (DAP) are now available, Business and Consumer Service Minister Sandy Jolly said today. The program, which was announced last December, is targeted to individuals who do not earn enough money to benefit from the personal income tax deductions announced last year. Eligibility is based on the previous year's net income. To qualify, applicants must be 19 years of age or over and must have a net income of below $9,500 for individuals or $16,500 for families. The Income Tax Assessment, a confirmation issued by Revenue Canada after an individual's income tax return is processed, must be included with the application. The annual rebate amount is $90 per individual or $125 per family and will be paid once a year, in the spring or fall. It is estimated that 77,000 Nova Scotians, 20,000 of them seniors, will be eligible for the program. Rebates are not available to people who have been in receipt of social assistance for more than three months of the previous year nor to students who have attended school for more than four months of the previous year. People supported by the province in long-term care facilities are also ineligible. "Most working Nova Scotians will benefit from the 3.4 per cent income tax reduction and will see their take home pay increase," Ms. Jolly said. "The Direct Assistance Program is designed to benefit those Nova Scotians whose incomes are so low that they pay no income tax." "We want to ensure that as many Nova Scotians as possible benefit from the tax reforms our government is implementing." Application forms are now available throughout the province. They may be picked up at Access Nova Scotia offices in Bridgewater, Kentville, Truro, Sydney and Yarmouth or in metro Halifax at Business and Consumer Services reception desk, 9 South, Maritime Centre, 1505 Barrington Street. For more information or to receive a form by mail, phone toll-free 1-800-787-0889. The minister said next year's income tax packages from Revenue Canada will include application forms for the DAP. -30- Contact: David MacNeil 902-424-2933 trp Mar. 25, 1997 - 2:30 p.m.