One-Time Top-Up To The Canada Housing Benefit For Low-Income Renters – Income Tax

Due to inflation and the rising cost of living, the Government
of Canada has announced a one-time top-up benefit for low-income
renters, providing $500 to qualifying individuals and
families.

Crowe MacKay’s tax advisors share who is eligible as well as
the application criteria to receive the $500 benefit. If you
require assistance, connect with us in Alberta, British Columbia,
Northwest Territories, or the Yukon.

Housing Benefit Eligibility

The top-up program is for low-income renters with adjusted net
incomes (i.e. net income from the T1 return adjusted for any
universal child care benefit and registered disability savings plan
amounts received or repaid) below $35,000 for families or $20,000
for individuals. Applicants must have paid at least 30% of
their 2021 adjusted net income on rent in 2022.

In order to be eligible, applicants must confirm they:

• Filed their 2021 income tax return or statement of income

• Are at least 15 years of age as of December 1, 2022

• Are a resident of Canada in 2022 for tax purposes

• Have a principal residence* in Canada as of December 1,
  2022

• Had 2021 adjusted family net income of:

• $35,000 or less for families

• $20,000 or less for individuals

• In the 2022 calendar year

• For any qualifying principal residence in 2022

• Equal to at least 30% of their 2021 adjusted family net
  income

*Principal residence is the place where an individual
normally lives and pays rent, such as a house, condominium,
apartment, duplex, college or university residence, trailer, mobile
home, or houseboat.

Confirm Your Eligibility & Apply

To determine if you are eligible for the one-time housing
benefit, set-up or utilize your My CRA Account or My Service Canada
Account. Your account will show your eligibility status and allow
you to submit an application.

Applications are open until Friday, March 31,
2023.

Access My CRA
Account

Access My Service Canada
Account

The content of this article is intended to provide a general
guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought
about your specific circumstances.