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By Gates Guarin

Federal government providing relief for low-income renters

Dec 13, 2022 | 3:56 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Low-income renters in Medicine Hat and across the country will be seeing some relief from the federal government. Eligible Canadians can now apply for a one-time top up of $500 to help curb housing affordability challenges.

Several conditions must be met to be eligible to receive the benefit, mainly earning a net income of $20,000 or less for individuals or $35,000 or less for families. The federal government estimates approximately 1.8 million Canadians will be able to apply for the housing benefit.

“I think with the increased cost of living that everyone is experiencing across the country, I think this is a welcome benefit for anybody who is struggling,” says Robin Miiller, chief administrative officer with the Medicine Hat Community Housing Society. “The cost of living highlights affordability issues that people were already having, and this just sort of exacerbates that situation.”

Miiller adds the top-up is only a temporary fix, and that rental assistance benefits for those renting in the private market, and funds provided by the province through the community housing society are available immediately for those who qualify.

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She says more than 300 households are currently waitlisted for rental supports in the city, and that governments at all levels should be looking at how policy is actually affecting the most vulnerable.

“Some pieces of legislation that guide and govern social policy haven’t been reviewed for many years, and it’s really important that those things are looked at in a closer way to make sure that we’re aligning what we are providing to the people who need it with the actual needs.” Miiller says.

Those who are eligible for the federal one time payment have until Mar. 15 to apply through the Canada Revenue Agency. More information on eligibility can be found on the Government of Canada’s website.