Greater Sudbury-Nickel Belt - Canadians are feeling the rising cost of living, particularly through higher food prices and rent. Lower-income renters are now able to apply for the one-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit, which will provide a $500 payment to help with the cost of rent. This is part of a series of measures introduced by the Government of Canada to help make life more affordable for those who
need it most.

The one-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit is a one-time payment of $500 that will help nearly 2 million lower-income individuals or families who need it most.

Families with an adjusted family net income of or below $35,000, or individuals with an adjusted net income of or below $20,000, who are 15 years of age or older as of December 1, 2022 and paid at least
30 per cent of their adjusted net income on rent in 2022 (among other eligibility criteria) are now able to apply. The application portal will be open from December 12, 2022, to March 31, 2023.

To receive payment faster, eligible applicants are encouraged to sign up for CRA My Account and direct deposit, file their 2021 income tax return (including their spouse or common-law partner’s income tax return), and update their address, marital status, and banking information. Applicants can also apply online using a web form without having to sign in to their CRA My Account. It should be noted that they will not be permitted to make changes to their personal and banking information using the web form.

Applicants who are unable to apply online can call the CRA’s dedicated phone line at 1-800-282-8079 to complete their application with an agent.
Eligible applicants will need to retain receipts or documentation to support their application in case the CRA contacts them in the future to validate eligibility. Applicants that are found to be ineligible for the benefit during the verification processes will be required to repay the benefit they received.

The one-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit is a key component the Government’s plan to help to make life more affordable for Canadians who need it most. This plan also includes doubling GST credits for six months, and the Canada Dental Benefit.

For more information visit canada.ca/one-time-housing-benefit.
Quotes “The one-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit is crucial in helping low-income renters who are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet. It is meant to help those who are most impacted by inflation and offer some immediate relief during these challenging times.”
- The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion

“The Canada Housing Benefit allows those most in need to receive relief from rising cost of living. This measure is one of several introduced by the federal government to make life more affordable. I encourage anyone eligible in the Nickel Belt region to apply for this benefit.”
- Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Official L