One Time Canada Housing Benefit Program

If you are a renter, you are more than likely to have felt the dramatic increase in rents across Canada. According to “rental.ca” website the average year-on-year rent in Canada for the period of August 2021-September 2022 has increased from $1,676 in 2021 to $1,959 in 2022. Some parts of Canada have shown astonishing increases in rents such as London, Ontario (36.9%), Calgary, Alberta (29.8%), and Vancouver, BC (18.8%).

The one-time top-up to Canada Housing Benefit in the amount of $500 is intended to lessen the financial burden borne by many low-income Canadians who are experiencing difficulties in paying their rents due to rising inflation and interest rates. According to the CRA, it is estimated that 1.8 million low-income renters, including students, who are struggling with the cost of housing would be eligible for this new support. The proposed funding totals $1.2 billion, of which $475 million was committed in Budget 2022. (canada.ca)

To be eligible for the One-time Canada Housing Benefit Program, the individual must meet the following criteria:

Born on or before December 1, 2007 (at least 15 years old on December 1, 2022)

The individual's principal residence was in Canada on December 1, 2022

The individual has already filed their 2021 income tax return or statement of income. To qualify the spouse or common-law partner of the individual must have also filed their 2021 income tax return or statement of income

In 2021, the individual had an adjusted family net income of $25,000 or less for and $35,000 and less for families

2022 eligible rent must meet the following criteria (source: canada.ca):

paid in the 2022 calendar year

paid for any of your qualifying principal residences in 2022

equal to at least 30% of your 2021 adjusted family net income

There are four ways you can apply for the Benefit:

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) account

My Service Canada account

Online application at canada.ca

Softron Tax offices

All applications must be received or postmarked on or before Friday, March 31, 2023.

The one-time benefit will not reduce other federal benefits which are based on the individuals income such as Canada Child Benefit, GST Credit Benefit, Guaranteed Income Supplement, and Canada Worker's Benefit.

To apply for the benefit, contact the CRA at 1-800-959-8281.