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As of January 1, 2021, low income residents in Niagara may apply online for Housing Stability benefits to assist with last month rent or rental/mortgage arrears. Eligibility for benefits is determined by the household after tax (net) income and family size. Please see further details below regarding the expanded Housing Stability program, available for Ontario Works, ODSP participants and temporarily for low income residents. The duration of the program is based on available funding and will be reviewed regularly.
Housing Stability Benefits (HSB):
  • Low income individuals and families may qualify for last month’s rent and rental/mortgage arrears. Eligibility for benefits is determined by the total net income and family size.
  • Ontario Works (OW) and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) recipients may qualify for assistance with rental/mortgage arrears, moving/storage costs or last month rent.
  • Individuals or couples are eligible for a maximum of $900 per calendar year and families with children are eligible for a maximum of $1600 per calendar year.
  • Requests for HSB must be received within 30 days of the date of moving.
  • Requests for benefits must be approved in advance of payments to secure or maintain housing. Requests reimbursement will not be approved.
  • HSB benefits may be considered if you are:
  • Homeless or in an emergency shelter
  • Moving due to:
  • Family violence
  • Incapacity or death of a supporting care giver or family member
  • Overcrowding
  • Employment or training opportunities
  • A move to more affordable accommodations
  • Eviction
  • Uninhabitable premises where there is risk to health and safety
  • Significant personal health issues
  • Discharge from institutions such as correctional facilities, hospitals, long-term care homes, interval and transition homes
How to apply:
ODSP and Low Income residents:
  • Apply online through the Discretionary Benefits Portal