Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit
The Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit is a funding program administered by the province of Ontario. It provides a monthly benefit that helps households afford rent in the private market.
The benefit is portable and can move with a household to any community in Ontario.
To be eligible, households must:
- Be on or be eligible to be on the wait list for rent-geared-to-income housing managed by Niagara Region Housing Services
- Not already be receiving or be part of a household receiving rent-geared-to-income assistance, more than one Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit or any other government-funded housing benefit (except social housing payments)
- Consent to be removed from the Niagara Region Housing Services wait list if approved for this benefit
There is no direct application process for the Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit in Niagara. Eligible households will be contacted by Niagara Region Housing Services or a partnering agency. Priority is given to:
- Survivors of domestic violence or human trafficking
- Homeless or at risk of homelessness
- Indigenous persons
- Seniors
- People with disabilities
- Young adults
The benefit amount is based on the difference between 30 per cent of a household's income and the average market rent in the area. For those on social assistance, it helps cover the difference between the shelter allowance and the cost of rent and utilities, up to the average market rent.
If approved, the Ministry of Finance will issue the monthly payments directly to the household or the landlord if they choose.
After approval by the Ministry of Finance, Service Ontario will be the point of contact for ongoing program management. The Ministry of Finance will contact the applicant directly to confirm the approval.
Each year, households must complete an annual review to continue receiving the benefit. All household members over 17 must file a federal income tax return for the most recent year to remain eligible.
Contact
For more information, households receiving or applying for the Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit can contact the Ministry of Finance at 1-888-544-5101 or 1-800-263-7776.
© Niagara Region - 1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold, ON, L2V 4T7 - Phone: 905-980-6000, Toll-free: 1-800-263-7215
