By rdnewsNOW staff

starting May 1

New rent support announced for Albertans between jobs

Apr 30, 2021 | 8:47 AM

The provincial government is launching a new Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit for eligible Albertans on May 1.

Under the redesigned Rent Supplement Program, the province says the new temporary benefit provides a subsidy for working households with low income or those between jobs. Support is available for up to two years to help tenants afford their rent while they stabilize or improve their situation.

“Provincial housing programs have overlooked working households or those between jobs in the past, but thanks to our program redesign that is no longer the case. This new benefit will help make sure Alberta’s Rent Supplement Program meets the needs of Albertans during these difficult times,” says Josephine Pon, Minister of Seniors and Housing.

The Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit will be paid directly to tenants and is available in Alberta’s seven major centres, where rent is the highest and affordability the lowest. Household size and location will determine the benefit amount.

Households may be eligible if they are below the local income thresholds and are currently employed or have been employed in the last 24 months and are not receiving social assistance.

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The Rent Assistance Benefit, formerly the Direct to Tenant Rent Supplement, reopened on April 1. This long-term benefit provides stable support for Albertans with the lowest income across the province.

Details on both benefits are available online.