Canada’s $2,600 Rent Relief in 2025 – Who Qualifies and How to Claim It

Published On: July 19, 2025

Rising rent prices are squeezing Canadians harder than ever in 2025, and many renters are desperately looking for help. You may have seen talk about a “$2,600 rent relief” floating around, but here’s the truth: there’s no official one-time federal payment labeled as such. However, if you piece together the right government programs, you can actually get that much—and sometimes more—through a mix of federal and provincial housing benefits.

Relief

Let’s clear the air: Canada’s so-called “$2,600 rent stimulus” isn’t a single lump sum. Instead, it refers to the potential total support a renter might receive if they qualify for multiple housing aid programs. That’s where being informed pays off—literally.

There are federal options like the $500 Canada Housing Benefit (CHB), plus provincial supports that can add hundreds more each month to your budget. The goal? Help low-income renters manage rising costs and avoid housing instability.

Here’s a quick snapshot of the most impactful programs:

Program	Benefit Amount	Who’s Eligible	How to Apply
Canada Housing Benefit (CHB)	$500 one-time	Individuals earning ≤$20k; Families ≤$35k	CRA My Account or phone
Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit (COHB)	Monthly, varies	On social housing waitlists	Through local agencies
Canada-BC Housing Benefit (CBCHB)	Monthly, varies	Households spending >30% on rent	By invitation only
Quebec Shelter Allowance	Up to $80/month	Seniors or families with dependents	Through Revenu Québec

Federal

Let’s start with the Canada Housing Benefit (CHB). This one’s a quick boost—$500 tax-free for low-income renters who’ve filed their 2023 taxes. You qualify if:

You’re a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Your income is below $20,000 (single) or $35,000 (families)
Rent eats up at least 30% of your income

Applying is easy: log into your CRA My Account, select the benefit, input your rent details, and hit submit. Just double-check that your direct deposit info is correct so there’s no delay.

Provincial

Your province can also deliver a chunk of your rent relief. Here’s how it works in the three largest regions:

Ontario:
COHB helps renters in the private market—not just those in government housing. Once you’re referred by a local housing service, you’ll get a monthly payment (which can be as much as $200 or more).

British Columbia:
The CBCHB supports vulnerable groups, including seniors and Indigenous households. It’s not something you can directly apply for—you’ll need to be invited through BC Housing or a local nonprofit.

Quebec:
If you’re over 50 or have dependents and your income fits the bill, you could qualify for up to $80/month through Quebec’s Shelter Allowance Program. That adds up to $960 a year—not bad at all.

Example

Let’s walk through a typical case so you can see how it adds up.

Scenario:
Maria is a renter in Toronto earning $18,000 annually and paying $750/month.

Eligible Support:

CHB: $500 one-time
COHB: $200/month = $2,400/year
Local grant: $300 one-time

Total Annual Relief:
$500 + $2,400 + $300 = $3,200

So yes, the $2,600 figure is real—it just comes from multiple sources. In fact, some renters may receive even more.

Steps

Want to claim your slice of rent relief? Follow these five simple steps:

Check Eligibility: Use your 2023 tax info and rent receipts to see where you qualify.
File Taxes: Most benefits require your tax return to be complete.
Gather Documents: Get your lease, rent payments, and landlord info ready.
Apply Early: Log into your CRA account or contact local housing agencies ASAP.
Stay Informed: Government programs can change, so watch for updates and deadlines.

Being prepared is your best tool. Missed emails or incomplete forms could delay your payment.

While it’s not one neat $2,600 cheque, these programs can genuinely ease the burden. If rent is eating up too much of your paycheck, use every resource available. A few minutes of paperwork could put thousands back in your pocket.