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Rent and housing help for seniors

Last checked: 2026-10-04

Rent help for seniors comes from the provinces and territories, often with federal money. Most places offer a monthly rent benefit for low-income renters, a tax credit for rent paid, and subsidized housing where rent is based on income. You usually have to apply, and many benefits must be renewed each year.

Check if you qualify

Key facts

BC SAFER (age 60+): Gross income up to $40,000 a year; rent counted up to $1,150 a month (since April 2025)
Quebec shelter allowance: Up to $170 a month, October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027
Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, seniors: Up to $1,488 for July 2026 to June 2027
Manitoba Renters Affordability Tax Credit: Up to $625 for 2026, plus a seniors top-up of up to $357
BC renter's tax credit: Up to $400 for 2025

What rent help for seniors is available?

If rent takes a large share of your income, there are three main kinds of help to look at.

A rent benefit or rent supplement is a monthly payment that covers part of your rent in a private apartment. Some are paid to you and some to your landlord. You can often keep your current home.

A rent tax credit pays you back part of what you spent on rent. You claim it on your income tax return, so you must file a return to get it.

Social or community housing is housing owned by government or non-profit groups. Rent is usually based on your income, often 25% or 30% of it. There are often waiting lists.

Many provincial rent benefits are paid for jointly with the federal government. Their names often start with Canada and the province, such as the Canada-Yukon Housing Benefit.

Rent help in each province and territory

Amounts and limits below are those posted when we checked. Each program decides who qualifies.

British Columbia, SAFER: Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters helps people 60 or older who rent in the private market. You must have lived in BC for 12 months, file a tax return each year, have gross income of $40,000 a year or less, and pay more than 30% of your income in rent. Since April 2025 the most rent SAFER counts is $1,150 a month for singles and couples, and the smallest payment is $50 a month. People in subsidized housing or on income or disability assistance cannot get it. Apply to BC Housing at 1-800-257-7756. You must reapply every year.
British Columbia, renter's tax credit: A refundable credit of up to $400 for 2025. It goes down by 2% of adjusted income over $64,764 and ends at $84,764 (for 2026: $66,189 and $86,189). You must have rented for at least six months of the year. Claim it on form BC479 with your tax return.
Alberta: The Rent Assistance Benefit is a long-term monthly benefit paid to low-income tenants, based on income and local market rent. Seniors 65 or older who can live on their own can also apply for seniors self-contained housing, where rent is based on 30% of adjusted income, or a seniors lodge, which includes meals and housekeeping. Use the province's Find Housing tool to pick a local housing provider and apply to them. Call 1-877-644-9992.
Saskatchewan: The Saskatchewan Housing Benefit is a monthly benefit for renters who spend 35% or more of their before-tax income on rent and utilities. From July 1, 2026 it pays $210 to $270 a month for singles and couples with income up to $43,100, and assets under $300,000. Call 1-844-787-4177. Saskatchewan Housing Corporation also runs seniors rental housing for people 55 or older in smaller communities (1-800-667-7567).
Manitoba, Rent Assist: Rent Assist helps low-income renters in private housing. Net income must be under $33,920 for a single person 55 or older, or under $38,720 for two people. You cannot get it if you rent from Manitoba Housing or get another housing benefit. Call 1-877-587-6224 or 204-948-7368 in Winnipeg.
Manitoba, tax credit: The Renters Affordability Tax Credit is up to $625 for 2026, with a seniors top-up of up to $357. Claim it on your tax return.
Ontario, tax credit: The Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit is part of the Ontario Trillium Benefit. For July 2026 to June 2027 it pays seniors up to $1,488 and others up to $1,307, based on your 2025 return. For renters, 20% of the rent you paid in 2025 counts toward it. For a single senior, it starts to go down at adjusted family net income of $36,309. Apply by filling in the ON-BEN form with your tax return. Amounts over $500 are paid monthly starting July 10, 2026, unless you chose one June payment.
Ontario, housing: The Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit is a monthly benefit you keep if you move. Seniors are a priority group. You must be on the social housing waiting list or living in community housing. Both are run by your local service manager, which you can find on ontario.ca.
Quebec: The Shelter Allowance Program pays up to $170 a month from October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027. It is for tenants, owners and boarders who are 50 or older by September 30, 2027 (or have a dependent child), spend at least 30% of their income on housing and had liquid assets of $50,000 or less on December 31, 2025. The full amount goes to a person 50 or older with 2025 family income of $23,600 or less, or a couple 50 or older with $33,100 or less; reduced amounts go to people with slightly higher incomes. Apply in My Account for individuals or on form LEX-165-V by September 30, 2027.
New Brunswick: The Direct-to-Tenant Rent Benefit and the Canada-New Brunswick Housing Benefit were not taking new applications when we checked. Housing NB still runs the Rent Supplement Program, which pays the gap between what you pay and the unit's market rent, and public housing. For help applying, call 211.
Nova Scotia: The rent supplement and the Canada-Nova Scotia Targeted Housing Benefit pay a monthly amount based on household size, income and rent, up to the area's average market rent. Call 1-833-424-7711. For public housing, contact the Nova Scotia Provincial Housing Agency or call 211.
Prince Edward Island: The Seniors Housing Program is for people 60 or older, or 55 or older with a disability. It offers government apartments where most tenants pay 25% of household income in rent, with heat included, and rent supplements in private buildings. Income limits from April 24, 2026 are $26,500 for a bachelor and $41,000 for a one-bedroom. Call 1-877-368-5770.
Newfoundland and Labrador: The Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation's Rental Housing Program serves seniors and others with low income who pay more than 30% of their income on rent and heat. Rent is 25% of net monthly income. Apply through your regional NLHC office.
Yukon: The Canada-Yukon Housing Rental Benefit helps renters who are not getting another housing benefit. You must have lived in Yukon for 3 months, have income under the limit for your unit size and assets under $100,000. Old Age Security, the Guaranteed Income Supplement and pensions count as qualifying income. Call 867-667-5712 or 1-800-661-0408.
Northwest Territories: The Canada-NWT Housing Benefit helps renters who pay more than 30% of their gross income in rent. Housing NWT also runs public housing with income-based rent. Contact your Housing NWT district office.
Nunavut: Public housing is managed by your community's Local Housing Organization. The Canada-Nunavut Housing Benefit is for homeowners only. Call the Nunavut Housing Corporation at 1-844-413-9355.

How to apply for rent help

File your income tax return every year, even if you have little or no income. Almost every rent program uses your return to check your income.
Find your province or territory in the list above and note each program you may qualify for. You can often get a rent tax credit and a monthly benefit at the same time.
Gather your papers: your lease or rent receipts, your latest notice of assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency, photo ID and a void cheque for direct deposit.
Apply to each program. Some take applications online, others by mail or in person.
Write down when you need to renew. SAFER, the Quebec shelter allowance and many others must be renewed every year.

If you are on a waiting list for social housing, tell the housing office whenever your phone number, address, income or health changes. People who cannot be reached can lose their place.

How long is the waiting list for seniors housing?

Wait times depend on where you live, the size of unit you need and how many units are free. Ontario's guide for seniors says the wait depends on your area. It is wise to apply early, even if you do not need to move yet, and to ask whether you can get a rent benefit while you wait.

Some places give priority to seniors, people who are homeless or at risk, and people fleeing violence. Ask the housing office whether you fit a priority group.

What if I am refused or my payment stops?

Read the letter to find out why. Common reasons are income above the limit, a missing tax return, a missed renewal or missing papers.

Call the program, ask what you need to send and whether you can reapply. If your income has dropped since your last tax return, say so; some programs can look at your current income. For tax credits such as the Ontario Trillium Benefit or the BC renter's tax credit, contact the Canada Revenue Agency at 1-800-959-8281.

If you are about to lose your home, call 211 for local emergency help, or contact a legal clinic about your rights as a tenant.

Things people often miss

BC's SAFER starts at age 60, and Quebec's shelter allowance at age 50. You do not need to wait until 65.
In Ontario, renters can get the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit. It is not only for homeowners.
Quebec's shelter allowance is also open to low-income owners and boarders, not just tenants.
Getting one benefit can block another. For example, SAFER is not available to people in subsidized housing, and Manitoba Rent Assist is not available to people in Manitoba Housing.
Your rent receipts matter. Keep them, or ask your landlord for a yearly statement.

Who to contact

BC Housing, SAFER
Phone: 1-800-257-7756
Or 604-433-2218
Alberta Supports Contact Centre
Phone: 1-877-644-9992
Saskatchewan Housing Benefit
Phone: 1-844-787-4177
Manitoba Rent Assist (Provincial Services)
Phone: 1-877-587-6224
Or 204-948-7368 in Winnipeg
Revenu Québec, shelter allowance
Phone: 1-855-291-6467
Montréal 514-940-1481, Québec City 418-266-1016. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Nova Scotia rent supplement
Phone: 1-833-424-7711
PEI Housing Services
Phone: 1-877-368-5770
Yukon Housing Corporation, rent subsidy
Phone: 1-800-661-0408
Or 867-667-5712
Canada Revenue Agency, individual enquiries
Phone: 1-800-959-8281
Rent tax credits claimed on your return

Common questions

What rent help is there for seniors in Canada?

Each province and territory has its own programs. Most offer a monthly rent benefit for low-income renters, a rent tax credit through your tax return, and subsidized housing with rent based on income.

Who qualifies for SAFER in BC?

Renters 60 or older who have lived in BC for 12 months, have gross income of $40,000 a year or less, and pay more than 30% of their income in rent in the private market.

How much is the Quebec shelter allowance?

Up to $170 a month for October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027.

Can renters get the Ontario Trillium Benefit?

Yes. Renters can get the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit part of it. 20% of the rent you paid counts toward the credit. Apply with the ON-BEN form on your tax return.

How do I apply for seniors housing?

Contact the housing office for your area: BC Housing, Alberta's local housing providers, Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, Manitoba Housing, your Ontario service manager, Housing NB, the Nova Scotia Provincial Housing Agency, PEI Housing Services, NLHC, Yukon Housing, Housing NWT or your Nunavut Local Housing Organization.

Do I have to file a tax return to get rent help?

Almost always, yes. Rent tax credits are only paid through a return, and most rent benefits use your notice of assessment to check your income.

Is there rent help for seniors in New Brunswick?

The Direct-to-Tenant Rent Benefit was not taking new applications when we checked. Housing NB's Rent Supplement Program and public housing are other options. Call 211 for help.

Can I get rent help while on a waiting list for social housing?

Sometimes. In Ontario, being on the waiting list is a condition for the Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit. Ask your housing office what you can get while you wait.

Sources

Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) (BC Housing)
Rent assistance (Government of British Columbia)
B.C. renter's tax credit (Government of British Columbia)
Affordable housing programs (Government of Alberta)
Rent assistance (Government of Alberta)
Saskatchewan Housing Benefit (Government of Saskatchewan)
Saskatchewan Housing Corporation housing programs (Government of Saskatchewan)
Rent Assist (Government of Manitoba)
Personal tax credits (Government of Manitoba)
Ontario Trillium Benefit (Government of Ontario)
2026 OEPTC calculation sheet for single seniors (Canada Revenue Agency)
Province of Ontario benefits (Canada Revenue Agency)
Guide to programs and services for seniors: Home and housing (Government of Ontario)
Shelter Allowance Program (Revenu Québec)
Are You Eligible for the Shelter Allowance? (Revenu Québec)
How to Apply for the Shelter Allowance (Revenu Québec)
Direct-to-Tenant Rent Benefit (Government of New Brunswick)
Housing and property (Government of New Brunswick)
2026–2027 Directory of Programs and Services for Seniors (Government of Nova Scotia)
Seniors Housing Program (Government of Prince Edward Island)
Rental Housing Program (Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation)
Apply for a rent subsidy (Government of Yukon)
Canada-NWT Housing Benefit and programs (Housing NWT)
Programs (Nunavut Housing Corporation)
Canada-Nunavut Housing Benefit (Nunavut Housing Corporation)

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