Last year, the Canadian government provided an additional amount of $500 as a one-time payment in the Canadian Housing Benefit program, to help low-income individuals pay their rent amid rising housing costs.

The program began accepting applications on December 12, 2022, and the deadline to submit applications related to credit top-up will be on Friday, March 31, 2023.

Below are the full details about the benefit, including who is eligible and the application requirements:

 Eligible individuals for the benefit Who is eligible?

This government increase to the Canadian Housing Benefits aims to assist low-income renters, and to qualify the applicant must:

︎Have a date of birth on December 1, 2007, or earlier.︎

Live in and pay rent for a home or apartment in Canada as of December 1, 2022︎.

Be a resident in Canada in 2022 for tax purposes.

Submit an income tax return or income statement for the year 2021.

Have an adjusted net income in 2021 of:

$35,000 or less for families.

$20,000 or less for individuals.

 Information and documents required to be submitted:

︎ First, you must ensure that the 2021 income taxes have been filed and that all rental-related information is on hand, which includes:

Main residential addresses in Canada in 2022.︎

The total rent paid in the 2022 calendar year for these residences.︎

The name and contact information of your property owner.

You must also ensure access to the Canada Revenue Agency's My Account.