Alberta

Rent Supplement Program

Easy application

Need you to file taxes and apply separately

The Affordable Housing Program’s Rent Supplement benefits helps make your housing rental more affordable. There are 2 types of benefits:

  • Rent Assistance Benefit
  • Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit

The Rent Assistance Benefit is a long-term benefit available to subsidize rent for Albertans with low income. Features are as follows:

  • It is paid directly to tenants
  • It is available through most housing management bodies across Alberta
  • The amount you get is calculated based on household income and local market rent
  • Households are prioritized based on need
  • Your benefit may be renewed annually
  • There is no limit to benefit renewals if you are eligible.

The Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit provides a subsidy for working households with low income or those between jobs. Support is intended to help eligible tenants afford their rent while they stabilize or improve their situation. Features are as follows:

  • It is paid directly to tenants
  • It is available in Calgary, Edmonton, Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat and Red Deer, and most surrounding communities
  • Amount calculated based on household size and location and will be reduced in the second year – see Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit rate.
  • 2-year limit with eligibility reassessed after the first year
  • Households are eligible if they are below local income thresholds and are employed or have been employed in the last 24 months and are not receiving social assistance
  • The amount you get is calculated based on household size and location. This amount will be reduced in the second year
  • There is a 2-year limit to get this benefit. Your eligibility will be reassessed after the first year
  • Households are prioritized on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Households can reapply for rent assistance at the end of 2 years.

To be eligible for provincial affordable housing programs, you must have an income below local income limits as determined by the market for that community. Use the income thresholds document to see if your income qualifies.

You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Other applicable eligibility requirements from the housing provider may apply.

Applicants are given priority based on need. Priority of need is based on many things, including:

  • Income
  • Assets
  • Number of dependants
  • Current housing condition
  • Eligible applicants are prioritized on a first come, first served basis.

Additional eligibility criteria for the Temporary Rental Assistance Benefit

In addition to the basic eligibility criteria above, households qualify for this benefit if they are:

  • employed or have been employed in the last 24 months
  • not receiving social assistance, including:
    • Income Support
    • Learner Income Support
    • Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped
    • Alberta Seniors Benefit
    • Guaranteed Income Supplement
    • Old Age Security

Proof of housing situation

For example:

  • letter from landlord about your housing situation
  • eviction notice
  • disconnection notice
  • police report about an incident involving your housing
  • moving company quote or invoice
  • list of repairs needed in home
  • list of expenses for renovations needed for independence in the home
  • proof of home ownership (mortgage, property ownership)

Social Insurance Number

For example:

  • confirmation of SIN letter
  • plastic SIN card (non-expired)

To apply for the Affordable Housing Program, you will need to follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Use the Find Housing tool to see which housing options are available to meet your needs.
  • Step 2: Look through the available options that are displayed in the Find Housing tool after you answer the questions and choose a local housing provider that offers a program that suits your situation.
  • Step 3: Contact the housing provider for an application for rent assistance. You will find contact information for providers at the end of the Find Housing tool

Last updated: December 19, 2024