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Canada Housing Benefit 2024

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The government provides direct financial assistance to low-income families and individuals in need of affordable housing, to help ensure that they don’t spend more than 30% of their income on rent.

Learn about eligibility, how much you can receive, and how to apply for the Canada Housing Benefit in each province.

The Canada Housing Benefit is a rental subsidy that is part of the federal government’s National Housing Strategy. It provides $2 billion, matched by provincial and territorial governments, for $4 billion in financial assistance up until 2028.

Each province and territory will have their own housing benefit programs designed to match the specific needs and housing markets of their region. The housing benefit programs in Canada are:

List of Housing Benefits in Canada

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The Canada - Ontario Housing Benefit provides a monthly payment that subsidizes your rent, with the amount that you will receive based on your household’s net income and the average market rent in your area.

As a portable housing benefit, you will be able to choose any private rental in Ontario to use the benefit towards. This means that you can move freely and still receive the benefit. It’s also paid directly to you, rather than going directly to your landlord.

The Canada - Ontario Housing Benefit focuses on households that are on or eligible to be on a social housing waiting list, living in community housing, and vulnerable persons.

This includes survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, those experiencing homelessness, including refugees and asylum seekers, as well as Indigenous persons.

Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit (COHB) is a replacement for social housing. Once you have received the COHB, you will be taken off the Centralized Wait List for social housing and will be ineligible for Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) housing or any other housing benefit.

The Canada - Ontario Housing Benefit is needs-based, which factors in your income. When calculating your income, if you currently receive Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program payments, these payments are assumed to be at the maximum allowance possible.

The Canada - Ontario Housing Benefit covers the difference between 30% of your household income, known as your affordable rent, and 80% of the average market rent in your area.

Average Market Rent

The average market rent is based on CMHC’s annual rental survey, for one, two, and three bedroom units.

The average market rent that applies to you is based on your household size. The rent basis for spouses/partners will be one-bedroom units, with each additional person in the household being given an additional bedroom. For example, a three-person household where two are partners will have their average market rent based on a two-bedroom unit.

Shortfalls or Overpayments

If the household’s actual rent is less than $2,611 per month, then they’ll be able to keep the difference. For example, if the household’s actual rent is $2,000 per month, then they can use that extra $611 towards things like groceries or savings. That’s because in Ontario, the actual rent does not affect the housing benefit amount.

However, this can go the other way too in the case of shortfalls. If they aren’t able to find a rental where the rent is less than 80% of the average market rent for the city, then they will be paying more than 30% of their income for rent. In this case, they would be responsible for the additional expense on top of their housing benefit.

To continue receiving the Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit, recipients must complete an Annual Renewal Application each year.

This is done each May, where you will receive either a paper Annual Renewal Application form by mail, or digitally by email. You'll need to complete the form by June 30. In this form, you'll submit your household composition, address, rental amount, and income.

You'll also need to file your federal income taxes each year.

If you fail to submit your renewal forms and income tax returns by September 1 of each year, you'll no longer receive the Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit. This will permanently disqualify you from the housing benefit.

Reassessments

You may request a reassessment part-way through the year if your income decreases more than 20%. This will increase your benefit payments.

You'll also be re-assessed if:

• You move to a different area
• You have started/stopped receiving Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program payments
• Your household size has changed
• You're receiving social assistance and your shelter costs (rent and utilities) have changed
• You're no longer eligible because you are now receiving another housing benefit

Payments are sent from Ontario's Ministry of Finance to your bank account by direct deposit, on the 28th of each month. You can also submit a Schedule 5 and 6 form to have the payments sent directly to your landlord.

If you are outside of Ontario for more than 60 consecutive days, your payments may be suspended.

Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) housing, also referred to as subsidized housing, is the main alternative to the Canada - Ontario Housing Benefit.

RGI housing is subsidized social housing in specific Community Housing Provider buildings. That’s unlike the COHB, which lets you choose any private rental unit in Ontario and allows you to move freely.

Subsidized housing has income and asset limits in Ontario. For 2023, the income limits were:

• Studio - $49,500
• 1-bedroom - $58,500
• 2-bedroom - $67,000
• 3-bedroom - $74,500
• 4-5 bedroom - $79,500

The asset limits for 2023 are:

• Individuals - $50,000
• Household- $75,000

Wait times for subsidized housing in Ontario is often over 10 years for a unit, though this can vary significantly depending on the municipality. For example, wait times in Caledon for singles can be as low as 1.5 years, while one-bedroom units for singles in Niagara Falls have a wait time of 21 years.

The Canada - Ontario Housing Benefit aims to provide immediate relief for households in need of affordable housing, without having to wait for subsidized housing options.

Toronto Average Wait Time for Subsidized Housing

• Studio (Seniors) - 8 years
• Studio - 10 years
• 1-bedroom - 14 years
• 2-bedroom - 13 years
• 3+-bedroom - 15 years

Source: City of Toronto

You can’t directly apply for the Canada - Ontario Housing Benefit. Instead, referring partners will identify and invite individuals, based on prioritization criteria, to apply. Referring partners are non-profits and community organizations, your municipality, or your local service manager. If you think you’re eligible for the benefit, contact a referring partner in your area to see if they can refer you.

The Canada - Ontario Housing Benefit ends on March 31, 2029.

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The Canada - BC Housing Benefit provides a monthly payment that subsidizes your rent, similar to the Canada - Ontario Housing Benefit, for those paying more than 30% of their income on rent.

To be eligible, you must be spending more than 30% of your income on rent, and have an income under set income limits.

The Canada-BC Housing Benefit income limit ranges from $31,922 to $44,400 based on your household size.

BC Housing Benefit Income Limits

Some individuals may receive priority, such as people with disabilities or mental health and addiction issues, people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, women and children experiencing or at risk of domestic violence, Indigenous peoples, veterans, racialized communities, and households on the waitlist for subsidized housing.

You cannot live in subsidized housing or co-op housing with the Canada-BC Housing Benefit.

Payments are made by direct deposit on the last business day of each month. Recipients will use this money to make their rent payments for the next month.

The exact amount that you will receive depends on your income and rent. The minimum CBCHB payment is $25 per month.

To continue receiving the Canada-BC Housing Benefit, recipients must complete an Annual Renewal Application each year.

BC Housing will send you a renewal form, by mail, three months before the last benefit month each year.

Besides the annual renewal, you will still need to report any other changes part-way through the year if you move, your rent increases, your household size changes, your direct deposit information changes, or if you start or stop having roommates.

To apply for the Canada-BC Housing Benefit (CBCHB) Program, you’ll need to be identified and invited to apply as part of a priority group by a non-profit or other community provider, or directly by BC Housing.

For BC Housing, they will select applicants from The Housing Registry. To learn more about The Housing Registry, visit BC Housing’s website.

Quebec’s Shelter Allowance Program provides a fixed monthly benefit payment for those who pay more than 30% of their net income on housing, have children or are over the age of 50, and meet income limits. This expands the benefit to not just renters, but also homeowners.

To be eligible for the Quebec Shelter Allowance Program, you’ll need to live in Quebec, own your home or rent a home, and have filled your Quebec income tax return.

You’ll also need to be over the age of 50 or have at least one dependent child.

The Shelter Allowance Program determines eligibility based on your income compared to your housing cost. Housing costs for homeowners, or dwelling-related expenses, include:

• Municipal taxes
• School taxes
• Interest paid on a mortgage loan

Housing costs for those who rent their home would be the rent paid.

Ineligible Dwellings

If you live in low-rental housing (HLM), a dwelling that is subsidized under the Rent Supplement Program, in a long-term care centre or other publicly funded dwellings, then you are ineligible for the Quebec Shelter Allowance Program.

Income Limit

Your household income must be lower than the maximum income limit to be eligible for the Quebec Shelter Allowance Program. For 2023-2024, the income limits are:

Source: Revenu Québec

Asset Limit

The total combined value of your bank accounts and investments must be less than $50,000 between you and your spouse. This does not include registered plans, such as RRSPs or RRIFs, but it does include amounts in tax-free savings accounts (TFSAs).

Quebec’s Shelter Allowance Program pays out a benefit of $100, $150, or $170 each month based on your income and housing costs. This is calculated as your housing costs compared to your family’s monthly net income.

Example

Your family’s monthly net income, which is your income after taxes, is $2,000. Your monthly housing cost is $750.

$1,250/$2,000 = 62.5%

The Shelter Allowance Program would pay you $150 per month.

Payments are made in the first five days of each month. Payments are sent either by cheque or direct deposit.

To continue receiving the shelter allowance, you’ll need to reapply each year.

You can easily apply for the Quebec Shelter Allowance Program online through Revenu Quebec.

You can also apply by mailing in the Shelter Allowance Application (LEX-165-V) form.

Since the shelter allowance is per family, you only need to submit one application per couple.

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In Alberta, the Canada - Alberta Housing Benefit is split into the long-term and the short-term Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit.

The Rent Assistance Benefit pays the difference between 30% of your total household income and the market rent for the unit, up to a maximum monthly benefit amount. It’s meant as a long-term support for those in housing need.

The Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit provides a fixed monthly payment for up to two-years, with the benefit decreasing by 20% in the second year. It’s meant to temporarily help individuals as they transition jobs or if they are facing financial difficulties.

To be eligible for the Rent Assistance Benefit (RAB), you’ll need to have total assets of $25,000 or less, be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or refugee, and have a core housing need. A core housing need includes those in unsuitable or unaffordable housing. The Rent Assistance Benefit (RAB) is available province-wide.

The Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit has the same eligibility criteria, as well as requiring households to be employed, or have been employed in the past 24 months. You will not be eligible if you receive any social assistance, such as Old Age Security (OAS) or Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), or live in social housing. It’s also only available to those living in Calgary, Edmonton, Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat and Red Deer, and surrounding communities.

As a priority-based system, applicants are scored points based on need. Applicants with the highest point score will be given funding.

The Rent Assistance Benefit pays the difference between 30% of total household income and market rent. There is a maximum supplement amount that varies based on your location and the unit’s number of bedrooms. In Calgary, the maximum amount that you can receive is $900 per month.

For example, if your household’s monthly income was $3,000, and the market rent in your location was $1,000 per month, then the calculation for your benefit amount would be:

(Market Rent) - (Household Income x 0.3)

= $1,000 - ($3,000 x 0.3)

= $1,000 - $900

= $100

The Rent Assistance Benefit would pay you $100 per month.

Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit (TRAB) Rates

The Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit (TRAB) pays out a fixed amount each month based on your municipality and unit size. These are the benefit amounts for 2023:

Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit (TRAB) - Year One Monthly Payments

Since the Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit (TRAB) is only meant to support households while they look for a new job, the benefit is reduced by 20% in the second year to encourage households to move off the benefit.

Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit (TRAB) - Year Two Monthly Payments

For example, someone living in a 2-bedroom apartment in Edmonton would receive $243 per month for one year, and $194 per month for the second year.

To apply, use the Government of Alberta’s Find Housing tool to see if you are eligible. It will then give you the contact information of local housing providers where you can complete your application.

Alternatively, you can directly go to your local housing provider.

For example, the Calgary Housing Company (CHC) services the City of Calgary. If you’re in Calgary, you’ll complete the CHC Applicant Portal.

The Canada - Manitoba Housing Benefit is split into three streams:

• Youth Stream
• Homelessness Stream
• Mental Health and Addictions Stream

The program pays for the difference between your rent and your rent assist or 30% of your income, up to $350 per month for the Youth and Homelessness Stream and up to $250 per month for the Mental Health and Addictions Stream.

Canada-Manitoba Housing Benefit Youth Stream

To qualify for the Youth Stream, you’ll need to be between 17 to 26 years old and transitioning out of the care of Child and Family Services.

You’ll need to live in a private rental accommodation and have a net income within the non-EIA (Employment and Income Assistance) Rent Assist Disability Program Income Limit, or be receiving EIA or non-EIA Rent Assist.

For a single person, the net annual income limit is $25,600.

You are not eligible if you live in student housing, on a First Nations reserve, or live in subsidized housing.

Canada-Manitoba Housing Benefit Homelessness Stream

The Homelessness Stream is for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. This benefit is not available in the City of Thompson.

To be eligible, you’ll need to be receiving Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) or non-EIA Rent Assist.

Canada-Manitoba Housing Benefit Mental Health and Addiction Stream

The Mental Health and Addiction Stream is for those currently living in a designated housing project, such as supportive recovery housing, and are looking to transition to a private rental.

To qualify, you’ll need to be receiving EIA Rent Assist and live in one of these designated housing buildings:

• Tamarack, 54 Balmoral Street, Winnipeg, MB
• Siloam Mission, 3rd Floor - 300 Princess Street, Winnipeg, MB
• Riverwood House, 65 Stadacona Street, Winnipeg, MB
• Home First Winnipeg, 390 Ross Street, Winnipeg, MB
• Community Health and Housing Association, Westman Region Inc.,
• 19-13th Street, Brandon, MB
• Men are Part of the Solution, 13-15 Stanford Bay, Thompson, MB

The amount that you can receive is:

Benefit = Rent - Rent Assist

or

Benefit = Rent - (30% of Income + non-EIA Rent Assist)

For the Youth Stream and Homelessness Stream, you can also receive up to $72 per month to cover utility costs if utilities aren’t included in your rent.

For Youth that currently do not receive EIA or non-EIA Rent Assist, you will receive the maximum benefit of $350 per month.

There is a maximum monthly benefit that varies based on your stream:

Youth Stream: $350 per month maximum

Homelessness Stream: $350 per month maximum

Mental Health and Addiction Stream: $250 per month maximum

Canada-Manitoba Housing Benefit Youth Stream

The Youth Stream is run by the Provincial Services office of Manitoba Families.

To apply for the Youth Stream, contact Provincial Services at incsup@gov.mb.ca or complete the application form and return it by email, fax, mail, or in person.

Canada-Manitoba Housing Benefit Homelessness Stream

The Homelessness Stream is run by End Homelessness Winnipeg in Winnipeg and Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation for all other areas of the province, except Thompson.

To apply for the Homelessness Stream in Winnipeg, email CMHB@endhomelessnesswinnipeg.ca to get the application form.

For all other areas of the province, email rentsupplement@bnrc.ca or supplement@bnrc.ca to get an application form.

Canada-Manitoba Housing Benefit Mental Health and Addiction Stream

The Mental Health and Addiction Stream is run by Manitoba Housing.

To apply for the Mental Health and Addiction Stream, contact your designated housing provider.

Submit completed forms to Manitoba Housing at rentsuppinfo@gov.mb.ca, or by mail to:

400-352 Donald Street

Winnipeg, MB, R3B 2H8

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The Canada - Saskatchewan Housing Benefit provides a monthly fixed payment based on how much of your household income goes towards shelter costs, namely rent and utilities.

To be eligible, you’ll need to have total household assets of less than $300,000 and spend more than 35% of your annual gross (before-tax) income on shelter costs.

You’ll also need to meet the income limits:

Full-time post-secondary students are not eligible, as well as sponsored newcomers to Canada, those receiving income assistance, or living in a Social Housing Program.

The amount that you can receive is based on your shelter costs to income.

Canada - Saskatchewan Housing Benefit

(Shelter Costs are 35% to 45% of Income)

For example, if your shelter costs if rent and utilities was $1,000 per month, and your monthly income was $4,000 before taxes, then shelter makes up 40% of your income. If you're single without dependents, then you’ll receive $175 each month.

Canada - Saskatchewan Housing Benefit

(Shelter Costs are More Than 45% of Income)

You may also be eligible for a higher monthly benefit if you are part of two streams, the Saskatchewan Housing Benefit - Supportive Housing Stream or the Saskatchewan Housing Benefit - Seeking Safety from Interpersonal Violence (Seeking Safety) Stream.

The Supportive Housing Stream is for those living in supportive housing and receiving support services, such as counselling. The Seeking Safety from Interpersonal Violence Stream is for those fleeing interpersonal violence and looking to live independently.

Canada - Saskatchewan Housing Benefit

(Supportive Housing Stream and Seeking Safety from Interpersonal Violence Stream)

To apply for the Canada - Saskatchewan Housing Benefit, complete the Saskatchewan Housing Benefit Application and email it to SaskHousingBenefit@gov.sk.ca, or mail it to 11th floor - 1920 Broad St, Regina, SK, S4P 3V6.

Unlike other provinces, the Canada - Nova Scotia Housing Benefit is a more limited program that provides rent supplements to those who are paying more than 50% of their income on rent. It also provides financial assistance to homeowners who are struggling with affording their housing costs.

The Canada-Nova Scotia Targeted Housing Benefit is available for both renters and homeowners.

To be eligible, you’ll need to spend more than 50% of your total income on shelter costs.

Renters

For renters, it’s based on your total income vs. the average market rent in your location.

You can remain on the public housing waitlist while you are receiving the Canada-Nova Scotia Targeted Housing Benefit. That’s unlike other provinces, such as Ontario and BC, that remove you from the waitlist for subsidized housing. However, once you are living in public housing, you cannot receive the housing benefit at the same time.

Homeowners

For homeowners, shelter costs include:

• Mortgage payments
• Property taxes
• Condo fees
• Utilities (electricity, heat, water, and other municipal services)
• Property insurance

The value of your home must also be less than $300,000 in the Halifax Regional Municipality or less than $200,000 elsewhere in Nova Scotia. If you have more than one home, the total combined value must be less than these limits.

The amount that you can receive is based on your shelter costs to income.

The Canada-Nova Scotia Targeted Housing Benefit amount is the difference between the average market rent and 50% of your total monthly income.

For renters, there is no maximum benefit amount.

For homeowners, the maximum benefit is $200 per month.

Renters Benefit Example

For example, if a renter was living in Truro, Nova Scotia in a 3-bedroom unit, where the average market rent for a similar unit would be $1,500 per month.

The renter’s total monthly income is $2,000 per month. This gives an affordable rent of $1,000 per month (50% of $2,000).

The benefit received would be $1,500 - $1,000, or $500 per month.

Homeowners Benefit Example

For example, if a homeowner was living in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and had the following shelter costs:

• Mortgage: $1,000 per month
• Property Taxes: $200 per month
• Utilities: $200 per month
• Home Insurance: $100 per month

Their monthly shelter costs would be $1,500. If their total monthly income was $2,000, then their affordable shelter costs would be $1,000 (which is 50% of $2,000).

Maintenance costs are also considered, at 1% of your home’s assessed value. If the home’s assessed value was $200,000, then it will consider $2,000 as an annual maintenance cost.

The benefit they would receive is $200, which is the maximum benefit limit. They wouldn’t receive $500 per month (from $1,500 - $1,000) as that is over the benefit limit.

To apply for the Canada-Nova Scotia Targeted Housing Benefit, you can complete it online by filling out the application form and emailing it to housingsupplements@novascotia.ca.

You can also mail the application form and documents to:

Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing

ATTN: Housing Benefit Unit

P.O. Box 702, Stn. Central

Halifax, NS B3J 2T3

If you make less than $50,000 per year, you may receive $300 to $475 per month with the Canada-New Brunswick Housing Benefit.

To qualify for the Canada-New Brunswick Housing Benefit, you must be renting your home.

Individuals must be under the age of 65 and live alone, with a gross income (before-tax) of between $12,500 and $50,000.

For families, you must have custody of a child under the age of 19, or dependent children with a disability, and have a gross household income (before-tax) of between $12,500 and $50,000.

You are not eligible if you own your home.

The New Brunswick housing benefit pays a fixed amount based on your location (urban vs. rural), and unit size (eg. two-bedroom vs. three-bedroom rental housing).

For a two-bedroom rental in an urban area, you can expect to receive around $425 per month. For rural areas, the benefit is roughly $300 per month.

For a two-bedroom rental in an urban area, you can expect to receive around $475 per month. For rural areas, the benefit is roughly $350 per month.

To apply for the Canada-New Brunswick Housing Benefit, you can complete it online by filling out the Online Application Screening Page.

Alternatively, you can print out the application form and mail it to:

Department of Social Development

Attn: Canada-New Brunswick Housing Benefit

551 King St.

Sartain MacDonald Building

PO Box 6000 Fredericton, NB

E3B 5H1

The Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Benefit pays out the difference between your actual rent paid or the average market rent, and 25% of your net income.

The Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Benefit is for households that are renting their home and with a total household net income of $32,500 or less.

For households in Labrador West or the North Coast of Labrador, the household net income limit is $65,000.

The benefit amount is based on the lower of what you actually pay in rent and the average market rent for your community, based on the CMHC Rental Market Survey. The amount that you will receive is the lower of this number, subtracted by 25% of your net income (after-tax).

For example, if your monthly net income is $2,000 and the average rent is $1,000, then your benefit amount would be $500 per month (from $1,000 - $500).

Applications are completed online through the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC). You can also print out and mail in the application form.

The Canada-Yukon Housing Benefit pays $200, $400, $600, or $800 per month based on your household income and household size.

To qualify, you must have a household income under these limits:

Canada-Yukon Housing Benefit Income Limits

Source: Government of Yukon

Your total assets must also be less than $100,000 and you must have been a resident of Yukon for at least three months.

To apply, complete the application form and email it to: housingbenefit@yukon.ca

You can also drop it off in-person at a Yukon Housing Corporation office or mail it to:

Government of Yukon

Yukon Housing Corporation

Box 2703 (Y-1)

Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 2C6

The Canada-Nunavut Housing Benefit pays the difference between the average market rent and 24% of your household’s income.

To apply, contact Peepeelee Qappik at pqappik2@gov.nu.ca or call 867-975-5261.

The Northwest Territories (NWT) provides a monthly subsidy through the Canada-NWT Housing Benefit. It pays the difference between the average market rent and 30% of your household’s income.

To qualify, you must have less than $100,000 in assets and have been an NWT resident for at least 12 months.

To apply, complete the application form and email it to: CNHB@gov.nt.ca

Or, print and mail to:

Housing NWT

P.O. Box 2100

Yellowknife, NT

X1A 2P6