With rent prices soaring across Canada, many low-income renters are barely scraping by. To help ease the pressure, the federal government has introduced a one-time, tax-free payment called the $498 Canada Housing Boost, available in August 2025. If you’re renting and your income is modest, this could be the financial break you’ve been hoping for. But there’s a catch — you need to apply before August 30, 2025.
Let’s break down everything you need to know to get this benefit and put some breathing room back into your monthly budget.
Purpose
Why is this benefit so important right now? In 2025, the cost of renting in cities like Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal shot up by over 10%. With housing costs eating into everything from grocery money to healthcare, renters are feeling the squeeze like never before. That’s where the $498 Housing Boost comes in.
Unlike long-term rental subsidies, this payment is quick, simple, and doesn’t interfere with your other government benefits. It’s a one-time cash injection meant to offer immediate relief, no strings attached.
Details
Here’s a quick overview of the program’s key features:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit Name | $498 Canada Housing Boost |
| Payment Type | One-time, tax-free |
| Max Amount | $498 |
| Deadline to Apply | August 30, 2025 |
| Application Methods | CRA My Account or phone |
| Processing Time (Direct) | 5–7 business days |
| Processing Time (Cheque) | 10–12 business days |
| Official Website | Canada.ca |
Eligibility
To get the $498, you’ll need to meet a few basic criteria — nothing too complicated, but they do matter.
General Criteria:
- Must live in Canada in 2025
- Must be at least 15 years old
- Must have filed your 2023 taxes
Income Requirements:
- Individuals: $20,000 or less
- Families: $35,000 or less combined
Rent Burden:
- You must have spent at least 30% of your 2023 adjusted net income on rent
Example:
If you made $18,000 in 2023, your rent must have been $5,400 or more (that’s $450 per month).
Seniors
If you’re 60 or older with an income under $37,240, you may also qualify for an extra $430 rent relief — even better, you can combine this with other provincial supports like SAFER or RAP.
Apply
Getting your hands on the benefit is simple, but you’ll need to move fast.
What to Gather:
- 2023 Notice of Assessment from CRA
- Rent receipts, lease, or landlord letter
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of address (utility bill, lease, or government letter)
How to Apply:
- Online: Log into CRA My Account → Find “Housing Benefit” → Follow steps
- By Phone: Call 1-800-282-8079 and have your SIN and rent details handy
When to Expect the Money:
- Direct Deposit: 5–7 business days
- Cheque: 10–12 business days
Tips
Want to boost your chances of success? Follow these expert tips:
- Make sure your CRA direct deposit info is current
- Match your receipts to your application for easy verification
- Apply early to avoid last-minute delays
- Already on SAFER or RAP? You might get this payment automatically
- Visit a local community agency or CVITP site if you need help
Example
Take Maria’s story. She’s a 29-year-old part-time worker in Toronto, pulling in $18,500 last year. Her rent was $1,000 a month, and she met the 30% threshold. She applied online and had $498 in her bank account six days later. That money helped her cover overdue utilities and groceries. For Maria, it was a game-changer.
Unsure?
Still on the fence about whether you qualify? Don’t worry. CRA has tools that can help:
- Use the Benefit Eligibility Calculator in your CRA account
- Visit a local tax clinic (CVITP) for support
- Or just call CRA — it’s better to apply and find out than to miss your shot
The $498 Canada Housing Boost won’t fix the housing crisis, but it can help take some weight off your shoulders — especially if you’re dealing with high rent on a tight budget. Don’t miss the deadline. If you qualify, this one-time payment could be the lifeline you need this summer.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the $498 housing boost?
Low-income renters who meet income and rent thresholds.
Is the $498 payment taxable?
No, it’s a tax-free one-time payment.
How do I apply online?
Log into CRA My Account and follow the housing benefit link.
What’s the deadline to apply?
August 30, 2025 is the last day to apply.
How long does payment take?
Direct deposit takes 5–7 days; cheques take 10–12 days.
