The economic challenges we’re currently facing have made housing affordability more difficult. With rising prices in the real estate market, many home buyers have been forced back into the rental market, adding to the pressure on rental prices. As a result, many low-income Albertans are struggling to meet their basic living costs. If this is your situation, you may qualify for the rent assistance options in Alberta.
Our province offers two rent relief options whose availability will depend on the renter’s financial situation. At the federal level, renters have the option to apply for the new Canada Housing Benefit top-up. We’ve gathered the requirements and application process of both programs to help renters determine which rent assistance option suits their living situation.
Alberta’s Rent Supplement Program
Under the Rent Supplement Program, Alberta provides two options to assist low-income tenants in making rent more affordable. Keep reading to learn more about each program to determine which one suits your current situation.
Rent Assistance Benefit
What is it?
This is a long-term rent subsidy for low-income households.
Rent Assistance Benefit Features
According to the Alberta Government, this is how this rent relief option works:
- The benefit is paid directly to the tenant;
- Can be renewed annually;
- There’s no limit to renewals (subject to eligibility);
- The amount granted is calculated based on the household income and local market rent status at the moment of application or renewal; and,
- Applicant households are prioritized based on need.
Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit
What is it?
This is a short-term rental assistance program oriented to offer assistance to working households with temporary low-income or those between jobs. This benefit seeks to offer assistance while eligible households stabilize or improve their economic situation.
This temporary rental assistance offers:
- Direct payments to the tenant;
- The amount of the benefit is calculated based on the household size and location;
- The amount granted is reduced in the second year (the amount reduction also depends on the household size and location);
- The benefit is available in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Lethbridge, Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, Medicine Hat, and surrounding areas;
- The benefit can last a maximum of two years, and the application will be reassessed in the second year;
- Households are prioritized in order of application; and,
- Households can reapply at the end of the 2-year period.
Is important to note that in order to be eligible for this temporary rent assistance applicants need to be employed or have been employed in the last 24 months prior to applying, and they can’t be beneficiaries of other social assistance programs.
How to Apply for Rent Assistance in Alberta
If you wish to apply for any of the options offered in the Rent Supplement Program, the process is as follows:
- Answer the questions asked in the Find Housing Digital Tool. Your answers will determine the rent assistance option that may be the best fit for your situation.
- Select a housing provider. After answering the questions you will be asked to choose a housing provider among the options listed.
- Contact the housing provider to apply for rent assistance.
Keep in mind that housing providers may have a waitlist, and priority is based on need.
Canada Housing Benefit Top-up
Another rent assistance option is the new one-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit, with applications open since December 2022. This one-time, tax-free payment of $500 has the goal to offer additional assistance to low-income tenants to cover their rent expenses.
Households can apply for this benefit if they meet the following criteria:
- Having had an adjusted net income of $20,000 or less in case of individuals, or of $35,000 or less for families;
- Applicants filed their income tax return or statement of income for 2021 (if the applicants have a spouse or common-law partner, they need to have filed their 2021 income tax return or statement of income);
- Applicants were at least 15 years old on December 1, 2022;
- Canada was their principal residence on December 1, 2022;
- Applicants were a resident in Canada for tax purposes by December 2022; and,
- They paid rent in 2022, and the rent paid was at least 30% of their 2021 adjusted net income.
Application Process
Applicants need to gather all the documentation that supports their eligibility and apply via the dedicated website. The fastest and easiest way to receive this benefit is by applying using a Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) My Account. Applying by phone is also available. Keep in mind that applications will close on March 31, 2023.
More Affordable Rent Options
If you don’t fit the criteria to apply to any of the rent assistance options and you’re in the Calgary area, you still have options. We have a selection of properties available at competitive prices that could fit your budget, check out our listings here.
