Lower-income renters can now apply for a one-time $500
Dec. 13, 2022
Global Korean Post
The one-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit provides support to lower-income renters who are struggling with the cost of rent. This benefit consists of a tax-free payment of $500 to applicants with an adjusted family net income of $20,000 or less for individuals, and $35,000 or less for families.
On December 12, Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue, and Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, are taking action and announcing that applications for the new one-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit are now open.
This benefit is a one-time payment of $500 to eligible lower-income renters experiencing housing affordability challenges.
Canadians must meet all the following conditions to be eligible for the new benefit:
- have filed a 2021 tax return;
- be at least 15 years of age as of December 1, 2022;
- 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% of their 2021 adjusted family net income on rent for their principal residence in the 2022 calendar year; and
- be able to provide their 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 My Account for the first time, they will not need to wait for their security code in the mail; they can still access limited services in My Account and apply for this benefit immediately. Those who apply online and are signed up for direct deposit could receive their one-time top-up within five business days.
Eligible Canadians will need to retain receipts or documentation for six years to support their application in case the CRA contacts them to validate eligibility. Applicants that are found to be ineligible for the benefit during the verification processes will be required to repay the benefit they received.
By delivering targeted financial support to those who need it most, the one-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit represents just one of the many ways that the Government of Canada is working to make life more affordable for Canadians. Targeted measures, such as doubling the GST credit and creating the Canada Dental Benefit have also helped Canadian families with the cost-of-living this year.
