Alberta seniors getting a break on registry services
By Lethbridge Herald on April 3, 2024.
The provincial government is making life a little less expensive for seniors.
The government announced on Thursday it is fulfilling its promise to provide seniors with a 25 per cent discount on personal registry services.
Many seniors rely on fixed incomes and the ongoing high cost of living means more pressure in their daily lives. Alberta seniors should be able to rely on stability and have confidence that their government is working to keep life affordable for them, says the province.
A 25 per cent discount on personal registry services is anticipated to benefit more than 725,000 Alberta seniors.
“Last year, we promised Alberta seniors we would reduce their costs at registry offices and on April 1, we’re doing just that. Every dollar Alberta seniors save through this measure is another dollar back in their pockets that they can better spend on other priorities,” said premier Danielle Smith in a release.
As of Monday, when seniors visit their preferred registry office, they were eligible for the discount on services like vehicle registration renewals, driver’s licenses, standard plates, and vital statistics products like marriage licenses. Eligible seniors must be a resident of Alberta and 65 years or older on the day they purchase the registry service or product.
The discount will be applied to a range of personal registry services at Alberta registry agent offices. Seniors purchasing personal registry services online through MyAlberta eServices will also be able to access the discount.
“Delivering on this promise was a major priority for our government. Over the past few years, rising prices have made it difficult for many seniors to make ends meet. The discount will provide some modest relief for seniors, many of whom are on a fixed income, and make life more affordable,” Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction.
“The seniors’ discount will benefit more than 725,000 seniors. As the fastest-growing age group in Alberta, many seniors rely on income support to meet basic needs and age safely in their homes. Putting money back in their pockets will make their lives better,” adds Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services in the release.
As part of Budget 2024, the seniors’ discount on personal registry services will mean annual savings of $16.5 to $20 million for the 2024-25 fiscal year. Those savings mean Alberta seniors will keep more of their money in their pockets that they can allocate to other needs.
The seniors’ discount does not apply to corporate and business services, personal property services, commercial vehicle registrations, or optional products such as personalized and specialty licence plates.
The discount will not apply to enforcement measures like speeding tickets.
The discount will not be applied to transactions that took place prior to April 1.
Registry agents have a complete list of services eligible for the discount.
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The most expensive cost for seniors is not the registry services, but the $100 to $125 annual medical for the drivers license. That would be really nice if there was a 25% discount. You do not see seniors discounts anymore at clinics, chiropractors, etc. when one is now on a fixed income.
May be able to buy another loaf of bread per year with this new discount . . . some is better than none?