If rent takes up a significant portion of your budget each month, there is a government program that can help you breathe a little easier. The housing benefit program, administered by Revenu Québec, offers financial assistance of up to $170 per month from October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027.
Also read: Housing loan in 2026: who is eligible for it and how to get it
The government agency also posted a reminder on social media on July 9, midway through the moving season, to highlight that the new period begins on October 1, 2026 – just a few weeks away – and should not delay submitting a request to access it on time.
Who is eligible for Housing Benefit?
According to Revenu Québec, you may be eligible for housing benefit if you meet all the necessary conditions, such as:
- Be the owner of your home, a tenant of suitable accommodation, or live with someone to whom you pay rent;
- You or your spouse have at least one dependent child or will be 50 years of age or older by September 30, 2027;
- Do not exceed $50,000 as of December 31, 2025 in your bank accounts, TFSA, and your investments (yours and your spouse’s, if applicable);
- Spend at least 30% of your household income in 2025 on housing.
Your household income must also be below the maximum threshold, which varies depending on your situation. To find out exactly where you are, Revenu Québec offers a quick online survey.
How much can you get?
The amount varies depending on the share of your household income you have to pay for rent: the higher the share, the higher the assistance, up to a maximum of $170 per month for the hardest-hit households.
How to make your request
You can make a claim quickly and easily through the Housing Benefits online service, available at My business is for citizens. A paper request is also possible by mail.
What if you stay a little later than October 1st? Don’t panic: if you make a claim no later than September 30, 2027, your payment will be retroactive, so you’ll still receive amounts due back to October 1, 2026, when you made your first deposit. But why wait and make life difficult for yourself?
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