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She said the problem was discovered in May 2015 when the department was preparing to implement an automated renewal program for clients.

“The automated processes we have now put in place are designed to prevent such a situation from happening again,” she said.

Sullivan said the department received no reports of seniors suffering from the missed support payments.

She said federal officials have worked with provincial authorities to reduce the potential effects of seniors losing other benefits as a result of receiving the retroactive payments.

Alberta Seniors Minister Lori Sigurdson said in February that Alberta seniors won’t be required to return benefits even if the retroactive payments takes their income above program thresholds.

Service Canada has been contacting affected seniors since last May to inform them of the amount of money to which they are entitled, and when they should receive it.

The department said when a senior is found to be entitled to a benefit, they are informed in writing and a payment is issued within two to four weeks.

The Guaranteed Income Supplement provides a monthly, non-taxable stipend of $507 to $765 for Canadians receiving full Old Age Security, depending on their income and circumstances.

It is reviewed annually by the government to reflect increases in the cost of living as measured by the Consumer Price Index and to determine whether the criteria for receiving it are being met.

dhenton@postmedia.com