Following a review, the Government of Alberta has re-designed its Rent Supplement Programs.

The new programs – Rent Assistance Benefit and Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit were announced by the province earlier this year and applications are now open through Calgary Housing Company. The Rent Assistance Benefit opened for applications on April 1. The Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit opened for applications on May 1.

The Private Landlord Rent Supplement (PLRS) program remains closed and is not accepting any new applications.

Rent Assistance Benefit (formerly Direct to tenant Rent Supplement)

The Rent Assistance Benefit is a long-term benefit available to subsidize the rent for Albertans with low income.

Benefit features:

• paid directly to tenants
• available through most housing management bodies across Alberta
• households are eligible if they are below local income thresholds
• amount is calculated based on household income and local market rent
• households are prioritized based on need
• may be renewed annually
• no limit to benefit renewals if eligible

Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit

The Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit provides a modest 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.

Benefit features:

• paid directly to tenants
• available in Calgary, Edmonton, Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat and Red Deer
• households are eligible if they are employed or have been employed in the last 24 months and are not receiving Income Supports,
• amount calculated based on household size and location – will be reduced in the second year
• two-year limit with eligibility reassessed after the first year
• households are served off of CHC’s pre-qualification list
• households can reapply for rent assistance at the end of 2 years

For more information on eligibility or to apply for these programs, please visit the Rent Assistance Section on our website.

The post New Rent Assistance Programs appeared first on Calgary Housing.

On Friday, March 26 the Government of Alberta announced the Rental Assistance Redesign to the provincial rent supplement program.

The redesign provides housing support for 11,600 households across Alberta – an increase of 3,800 from current levels.

Calgary Housing Company manages rent supplement programs for the Province in Calgary where there are currently approximately 2,000 households receiving rent supplement support.

The province has indicated that the changes are intended to respond to the needs of working households while still providing support for the most vulnerable. Critically, the changes to the program will have no impact on benefit levels for the most vulnerable, particularly those receiving AISH or Income Supports.

CHC is working with the Province to understand the details of the changes, specific budget allocation for Calgary and details of both changes for existing program participants and the rollout of new programs.

Starting April 1, CHC will be accepting applications for the Rent Assistance Benefit. Formerly, the Direct to Tenant Rent Supplement, this long-term benefit will continue to subsidize low income Albertans.

Starting May 1, CHC will be accepting applications for the Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit. This new benefit will provide a modest subsidy to help eligible tenants afford their rent while they stabilize or improve their situation.

You do not have to submit a new application if you are already on the CHC waitlist and you identified Rent Supplement as one of your program selections. If you have an active application but are unsure if you selected Rent Supplement as an option, please call (587) 390-1200 to confirm your information.

Additional information about the redesigned Rental Assistance programs will be posted on this site as it becomes available.

For more information, you can view the Government of Alberta announcement here.

The post Province Announces Redesigned Rent Supplement Programs appeared first on Calgary Housing.

We understand these are challenging and uncertain times and want to provide you with some information that may assist you if you are facing additional financial struggles at this time.

If you are experiencing a change of circumstance please access additional supports available to Albertans like Alberta Works (https://www.alberta.ca/income-support.aspx) or EI (https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei.html).

If you are experiencing a change of income due to COVID-19 please visit https://www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx to review what resources are available to you based on your current situation.

You can also take a look at Financial Supports and Community Resources information on our website if you are looking for other sources of help.

If you have already applied for the additional resources available to Albertans and are worried about your ability to pay your portion of rent on time please reach out to your landlord to discuss payment options.  As Calgary Housing Company is not your landlord please do not contact your administrator to discuss these changes; it is imperative that you contact your landlord directly to update them on any issues you may be experiencing in regards to your upcoming rental payments as they may be able to offer additional options for you.

We understand that this is a very stressful situation to be facing , if you need assistance in understanding what resources are available to you please contact your Rent Supplement Administrator.  Your Administrator will advise you of who to contact based on your situation or put you in contact with a tenant liaison who can assist you in contacting these resources.

We are proud to work with our landlord partners and are confident in the flexibility and support that will be available during this time.

Thank you from your Rent Supplement Team and stay healthy!

The post Information for Rent Supplement Tenants appeared first on Calgary Housing.