Rent Supplement Program

Types of Rent Assistance:

• Rent Assistance Benefit – This long-term benefit subsidizes rent for Albertans with low income.
  • paid directly to tenants
  • available through most housing management bodies across Alberta
  • amount is calculated based on household income and local market rent
  • households are prioritized based on need
  • may be renewed annually
  • no limit to annual benefit renewals if eligible
• Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit – This short-term benefit provides a subsidy for working households with low income or those between jobs. Support should help eligible tenants afford their rent while they stabilize or improve their situation.
  • paid directly to tenants
  • available for households in Calgary, Edmonton, Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat and Red Deer, and most surrounding communities
  • amount calculated based on household size and location and will be reduced in the second year – see Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit rates
  • 2-year limit with eligibility reassessed after the first year
  • households are prioritized on a first-come, first-served basis
  • households can reapply for rent assistance at the end of 2 years