Rising housing costs and uncertainties in today’s rental market can be difficult to navigate, especially for those with a lower income. Fortunately, the government of Canada has a few rent assistance programs in Ontario that you may be eligible for. 

We’ll dive into the low-income rent assistance benefits in Ontario, plus the grants specific to Toronto. 

Check out our articles on tenant rights and rent increases in Ontario.

Government Rent Assistance in Ontario 

These are the two main government benefits that can help with rent in Ontario. 

Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit (COHB)

The Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit is a monthly program that helps eligible households afford housing by paying this benefit directly to the renter or landlord. The COHB is tied to a household instead of a rental unit. 

Eligibility

This benefit is specific to those living in Ontario and part of an eligible priority group on the Centralized Waiting List for Rent-Geared-to-Income Housing. 

Households cannot receive COHB and Rent-Geared-to-Income housing benefits at the same time. 

How to apply 

Contact your housing ministry or Ontario’s Ministry of Finance to start the application process. 

Once you start receiving COHB, you’ll need to complete an Annual Renewal each year to ensure continuation of the benefits. 

Wait times for the COHB are long, as there are more applicants for subsidized housing than available units. While you’re on the waiting list, consider applying for other benefits. 

How much can you receive? 

The COHB will pay the difference between the area's average market rent and 30% of the household’s income. Use this COHB Calculator to estimate the expected benefit. 

Read more about the Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit here. 

Ontario Works

Ontario Works is a government benefit for those in financial need who lack money for food and housing. The province provides money for food, shelter, clothing, and other necessities to those who meet the eligibility criteria. 

Those in an emergency or crisis may be eligible for Emergency Assistance, which provides immediate and temporary financial support. The amount you can receive depends on your specific situation.

Eligibility

To qualify for Ontario Works in Toronto, you must be:

• Living in Toronto and have status in Canada

• 18 years or older (or 16/17 in special circumstances)

• In financial need

• Willing to make an effort to find and keep a job (unless you have special circumstances that prevents you from doing so)

If you do not qualify for Ontario Works, you may be eligible for temporary financial help with Emergency Assistance, a one-time rent assistance in Ontario. 

How to apply

You can apply for Ontario Works online. It is available 24/7 and only takes 20-30 minutes to complete. You will have the option to open a MyBenefits account, which can make your application faster. 

How much can you receive? 

The monthly assistance you can receive from Ontario Works depends entirely on your situation, housing costs, income, and family size. 

The basic needs amounts range from $343 per month for a single person with no children to $826 for a couple with two dependent adults 18 or older. 

The monthly maximum shelter allowance ranges from $390 for a single person to $844 for a family of six or more. 

Depending on their situation, some people receive the board and lodging allowance instead of the basic needs and shelter allowance. 

Read more about monthly allowances here. 

Payment schedule

Payments are made once a month, generally on the last day of the month. The Ontario Works payment schedule is available here. 

Photo by Julia Taubitz on Unsplash

Rent Assistance Programs in Toronto

The City of Toronto has a few rent assistance programs for low-income renters, including the following:

Toronto Rent Bank

Toronto Rent Bank is a partnership between the City of Toronto, Local Access Centres and Neighbourhood Information Post. It provides grants to Toronto residents who are behind on their rent or need help with a deposit. These grants help low-income individuals and families avoid homelessness and stay in their homes. 

Eligibility

You may be eligible for a Toronto Rent Bank grant if you:

• Are behind on rent 

• Moving to or currently live in Toronto

• Pay rent for a rental unit covered by the RTA

• Can provide proof of income and do not currently receive social assistance

• Have a total household income that is the same or less than the amounts under Eligibility Criteria

You are not eligible if you have more than $6,000 in your RRSP or received Toronto Rent Bank support within the last year. 

How to apply

Contact one of the ten Local Access Centres to apply for the Toronto Rent Bank. 

How much can you receive?

As of March 1, 2024, the maximum grant for rental arrears is $5,000 or up to four months of arrears, whichever is lower. 

The maximum you can receive for rental deposits is based on unit size, as below:

• Bachelor: $2,000

• 1-bedroom: $2,500

• 2-bedroom: $3,000

• 3-bedroom: $3,500

Read more about the Toronto Rent Bank assistance program here. 

Rent Reduction Program

According to Section 131 of the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA), tenants in Toronto are entitled to an automatic rent reduction when the landlord’s property taxes are reduced by over 2.49% from one year to the next. 

Tenants do not have to get permission from the landlord to automatically reduce the rent, but it is recommended that they discuss it with the landlord prior to the effective date. 

For more information, click here. 

Emergency Energy Fund

The Emergency Energy Fund (EEF) can help low-income Toronto residents reconnect, prevent disconnection, or pay energy arrears for gas, oil, or hydro services. 

Eligibility

Low-income Toronto residents not receiving help from Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) may be eligible for the Emergency Energy Fund. 

How to apply

Call the Neighbourhood Information Post at 647-727-8988, Monday to Friday between 9 am and 4:30 pm. 

If you receive assistance from Ontario Works or ODSP, you can speak to your caseworker about benefits that may cover these arrears. 

These government programs offer much-needed support for low-income renters in Canada. If you qualify for these benefits, you can ease the burden of renting in today’s challenging market. 

With Chexy, you can pay your rent with a credit card, earn rewards on it, and build your credit for a better financial future. Get started today. 

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