Housing benefit: financial assistance to reduce the cost of housing

The Shelter Allowance program is for owners, renters, roomers, or anyone who shares a home with other occupants.

It provides additional financial assistance to low-income households that spend too much of their income on housing. Financial assistance can reach $80 per month. You can benefit from the Housing Allowance program if you spend too much of your budget on housing and if you are in one of the following situations:

1. you are a single person aged 51 or over;
2. you are in a relationship and you or your spouse are 51 years of age or older;
3. you belong to a low-income household (for example, workers, students, or social assistance recipients) with at least one dependent child.

Who is the Shelter Allowance program for?

1. to the owners;
2. to tenants;
3. to the roomers;
4. to anyone who shares a home with one or more occupants.

When we calculate the amount of benefit granted to you, we take into account the number of people in your household, the type of household, your income and your monthly rent.

The benefit, which can be up to $80 per month, is paid to you monthly by check or direct deposit. You can usually receive it one month after we receive your request. Note that we review the amount of the benefit granted once a year.

Attention! You are not eligible for the Shelter Allowance program if:

1. you live in a low-rent home (HLM) or a health and social services institution financed by the State;
2. you benefit from a rent supplement or receive another direct subsidy for housing;
3. you and your spouse, if applicable, own assets or cash whose value exceeds $50,000 (excluding the value of your home, land, furniture, and car)

For more information, visit the website of Revenu Quebec.

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