Manitoba Senior Credits & Benefits (2025 Guide)

Manitoba seniors can access a powerful combination of provincial and federal tax credits, cash benefits, and property/rent supports to reduce their tax burden and improve their financial security in retirement. Whether you are age 55+, a low- or moderate-income senior, a renter or homeowner, or living with a disability, this guide covers all major Manitoba senior programs—including the 55 PLUS Program, Education Property Tax Credit, Seniors' School Tax Rebate, and related rent/property credits. Learn how to apply, maximize your claim, and coordinate with federal credits like OAS, GIS, the Age Amount, and more.

Manitoba 55 PLUS Program

The 55 PLUS Program is a quarterly, income-tested cash benefit for lower-income Manitobans aged 55 or older. It provides direct payments—separate from your tax return—to help with the cost of living and can be received alongside OAS/GIS and other credits.

Eligibility: Manitoba resident, age 55+, annual family income below program thresholds (e.g., single up to ~$9,746; couple up to ~$16,255; amounts indexed—see latest government info).
How to Apply: Submit the 55 PLUS application (available from Manitoba Families or Service Manitoba), or call for support. Proof of age, residency, and income required.
Payment: Quarterly, by cheque or direct deposit.
Stacking: Can be received in addition to OAS, GIS, and other Manitoba or federal benefits.

Tip: Even if you do not owe tax, you may qualify for the 55 PLUS Program. Always apply if your income is low or has decreased recently.

Education Property Tax Credit (EPTC) & Seniors' School Tax Rebate

Manitoba offers two major property tax supports for seniors: the Education Property Tax Credit (EPTC) and the Seniors' School Tax Rebate. These can be claimed by both homeowners and renters.

Education Property Tax Credit (EPTC)

Eligibility: Manitoba resident, paid property tax or rent for your principal residence for at least part of the year.
Maximum: Up to $700 per household (as of 2025).
How to Claim: Homeowners: typically claimed on your municipal property tax bill (reduces the bill directly); if not, claim on your MB tax return (MB428).
Renters: claim on your tax return (MB428), reporting rent paid, months, and landlord details.
Calculation: 20% of annual rent or eligible portion of property tax, up to the $700 maximum.

Seniors' School Tax Rebate

Eligibility: Age 65+ by December 31, resident in Manitoba, paid property tax or rent for your principal residence.
Maximum: Up to $400 in addition to the EPTC (income-tested; phased out at higher incomes starting ~$40,000).
How to Claim: Homeowners: claimed on property tax bill or on MB tax return (MB428S). Renters: claimed on MB428S.
Tip: Claim both EPTC and Seniors' Rebate if eligible; do not miss these credits even if you have little or no tax payable.

Senior Rent Supplements & Rent Assist

Rent Assist provides monthly, income-based rent subsidies for low-income Manitobans renting in the private market—including seniors. This is a direct benefit, not a tax credit.

Eligibility: Manitoba resident, age 18+ (no upper limit), renting in the private market (not subsidized housing), with low or moderate family income.
How to Apply: Complete the Rent Assist application via Manitoba Families or online. Submit proof of rent (lease, receipts), income (tax return), and household composition.
Payment: Monthly, based on rent paid, family size, and net income.
Stacking: Can be received with 55 PLUS, property tax credits, and federal benefits.

Tip: Rent Assist is not taxable and does not affect your tax credits. Always claim the EPTC and Seniors' School Tax Rebate on your tax return in addition to receiving Rent Assist.

Other Manitoba & Federal Senior Benefits

Old Age Security (OAS) & Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS): Federal monthly payments for seniors age 65+. Apply via Service Canada; GIS is income-tested.
Manitoba Pharmacare: Income-based drug coverage for all Manitobans, especially helpful for seniors with high prescription costs. Apply annually; deductible based on net income.
Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC): Claim unreimbursed medical costs on both your federal and Manitoba tax return; include premiums, dental, vision, travel for treatment, etc.
Pension Income Amount: Federal and Manitoba provincial credits for eligible pension income (private, RRIF, annuity); claimed automatically if eligible.
Age Amount: Non-refundable credit for those age 65+, available federally and provincially; phased out at higher incomes.
Property Tax Deferral: Some Manitoba municipalities offer property tax deferral for seniors; check with your local city/town for application details.

How to Claim Manitoba Senior Credits on Your Tax Return

File your tax return every year—even with zero income—to trigger benefits and credits.
Claim EPTC and Seniors' Rebate on your MB428/MB428S, reporting rent or property tax paid, months, and address details.
Homeowners: apply EPTC/Seniors' Rebate on your municipal tax bill where possible; any unused portion can be claimed on your provincial return.
Renters: claim the rent-paid portion on your MB tax return (with landlord info).
Keep all receipts, benefit statements, and correspondence for at least 6 years in case of audit.
Apply for direct programs (55 PLUS, Rent Assist) separately via Manitoba Families.

Payments: Tax credits are paid as refund/offset on your tax return. Direct benefits (55 PLUS, Rent Assist) are paid by cheque or direct deposit.

Frequently Asked Questions: Manitoba Senior Credits & Benefits

Can I receive both the 55 PLUS Program and OAS/GIS?

Yes. 55 PLUS payments are issued separately from OAS/GIS and can be received together if you meet the income and residency requirements.

Do I need to apply separately for Rent Assist and property tax credits?

Yes. Rent Assist requires a direct application to Manitoba Families. Property tax credits (EPTC, Seniors' Rebate) are claimed on your annual tax return and/or property tax bill.

What if I move during the year—can I still claim my rent or property credits?

Yes. Claim the portion of rent/property tax paid for each principal residence in Manitoba during the year. Provide details for each address and landlord/municipality on your tax return.

Can I claim both the EPTC and the Seniors' School Tax Rebate?

Yes. The Seniors' Rebate is claimed in addition to the EPTC if you meet the age and income requirements.

Are Rent Assist and 55 PLUS payments taxable income?

No. Both are non-taxable and do not reduce your eligibility for other tax credits or benefits.

What documentation do I need to keep?

Store copies of rent receipts, property tax bills, benefit letters, and all application forms for at least 6 years for audit purposes.

Where can I get help applying or claiming credits?

Contact Manitoba Families, Service Manitoba, your local municipality, or a tax professional for support. Many community organizations also offer free tax clinics for seniors.

Coordinating Manitoba & Federal Senior Credits

File your tax return every year to ensure eligibility for both Manitoba and federal credits (OAS, GIS, Age Amount, Pension Income Amount, GST/HST credit, 55 PLUS, EPTC, etc.).
Claim unreimbursed medical expenses on both returns (federal and MB); coordinate with your spouse for best tax result.
For low/moderate-income seniors, combine Rent Assist, EPTC, Seniors' School Tax Rebate, and 55 PLUS for maximum support.
Contact Service Canada for federal program support; Manitoba Families for provincial benefits.

Related Manitoba & Canada-Wide Senior Resources

For further reading and forms, see the Official Manitoba 55 PLUS Program, Rent Assist, and Manitoba EPTC page.