OTTAWA – Rising inflation and the high cost of living have made it more challenging for Canadians to find a safe and affordable place to call home.
Renter households are four times more likely to experience core housing needs than homeowners, so the federal government is providing a one-time Canada Housing Benefit top-up. The $500 payment is available to eligible, low-income renters.
Applicants must meet the following conditions to receive the top-up:
– have filed a 2021 tax return;
– be at least 15 years of age as of Dec. 1;
– be a resident in Canada in 2022 for tax purposes;
– have an adjusted family net income of $20,000 or less for individuals, or $35,000 or less for families;
– have paid at least 30 per cent of their 2021 adjusted family net income on rent for their principal residence in 2022; and
– be able to provide 2022 address(es) and landlord’s contact information.
Eligible applicants can quickly and easily apply for the one-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit through their Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) “My Account.”
If applicants are registering for the CRA My Account for the first time, they will not need to wait for their security code in the mail; they can still apply for the benefit immediately. Those who apply online and are signed up for direct deposit could receive their one-time top-up within five business days.
Applicants who need to update their address, marital status or direct deposit information, should apply through CRA My Account.
