NEEDED: An Ontario Housing Benefit

Do you have trouble paying the rent each month?
Are you a tenant spending more than 30% of income on rent?
Are you receiving assistance and paying more than the ‘shelter allowance’ on rent?
Would a new government benefit that pays, on average, $100/month help make ends meet?

If so, you’re not alone…

1 in every 5 Ontario tenant households spends over 50% of their income on rent.
Quebec & 3 other provinces provide a Housing Benefit to help low income tenants meet the gap between low incomes ….and high rents
It’s time for Ontario to bring in an Ontario Housing Benefit.
The Ontario government has committed to explore this proposal.
Add your voice to the growing call for the Ontario government to implement an Ontario Housing Benefit.

Housing advocates are proposing a monthly benefit for low income tenants, based on your rent and income. It would pay part of the gap between your rent and 30% of your income.
On average it would pay about $120/month for families, and about $100/month for singles.
It would be paid to eligible low income tenants who are working, and those receiving social assistance. No clawbacks for assistance recipients.
A monthly payment, it would go directly to eligible tenants- not landlords

If you’re a tenant receiving social assistance but paying more than the ‘shelter allowance’ on rent, you would be eligible.
If you’re a low income working family paying more than 30% of your income on rent (up to a ceiling), you would be eligible.
You would have to file your tax return to find out if you’re eligible (just like child benefits & GST credit)
Homeowners, seniors, post-secondary students and people living in ‘rent-geared-to-income’ housing would not be eligible.