Select Residents Can Get Some Extra Financial Help From the City of Mississauga

Mississauga | Ontario | Latest News |

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Published July 12, 2018 at 8:49 pm

housewithyard

While not everyone enjoys yard work, some people truly cannot maintain their property to the standard they would like.

Fortunately for residents with mobility issues, some financial help is available.

The City of Mississauga recently announced that it has modified its Outdoor Maintenance Subsidy Program (formerly known as Yard Maintenance Subsidy Program) by increasing the yearly subsidy amount from $200 to $350.

The city also says the program has been expanded to include all yard maintenance work in the spring and summer–including weed removal, leaf cleanup, hedge trimming, etc.–rather than grass cutting only.

The city says eligible residents can claim expenses on a per-household, per-year basis for the cost of yard maintenance, as well as snow clearing in the winter.

“We are committed to ensuring that our city is affordable and accessible for our most vulnerable residents,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “By increasing the eligible subsidy and streamlining the application and claims process, we are making it easier for low-income seniors and people with disabilities to access the services they need.”

According to the city, the changes will take effect in 2019 and will also include:

  • The subsidy period will change from April 1 to March 31 to January 1 to December 31, aligning with the calendar year.
  • Applications will be due annually by March 31 following the subsidy year. For example, applications for the 2019 subsidy year will be due on March 31, 2020.
  • Spouses of eligible applicants who live in the household can apply for the program.

In addition, the subsidy for the current period of April 1 to December 31, 2018 will be prorated and increased to $260.

So, who is eligible?

To qualify for the subsidy, the city says an applicant must meet the following criteria:

  • Be 65 years of age or older and in receipt of the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) under Part II of the Old Age Security Act (Canada) and able to provide their T4A (OAS) slip to verify receipt of GIS for the subsidy claim period
  • Be in receipt of benefits or income support as a person with a disability under the Ontario Disability Support Program Act during the subsidy claim period
  • Have resided at the subject property as either owner, spouse of owner or tenant during the time that the claimed services were provided
  • be claiming expenses for a property that is their primary residence (i.e. an applicant may only claim for one property)
  • be able to provide proof of payment for services claimed during the subsidy period (the receipt template provided in the link below may be used to track eligible expenses) 
  • Must not be able-bodied or have had any able-bodied persons residing at the property during the time the claimed services were provided
  • be living in a multi-unit residence

“By expanding the program to include outdoor maintenance of all kinds in the spring and summer, we are able to meet other needs that older adults or people with disabilities may have on yard maintenance, rather than restricting it to just grass cutting,” said Pat Saito, Ward 9 Councillor.

For more information, click here.  

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