Searching for Rent And Housing Assistance Programs

Senior/Older Adult rebate and tax deferral programs

• you may only take part in one of these programs
• for more information, please contact serviceoakville@oakville.ca

Senior's Property Tax Rebate Program

• tax rebate of $500 per year is available to property owners 65 years of age or older whose combined household income of all persons residing in their property is less than $32,442 in 2021 (reevaluated each year)
• to be eligible, no other parties other than the owner(s) and/or spouse can reside on the property, and the property must be a personal residence, as well as other restrictions
• Application for 2023 tax year will be available in July 2023

Older Adults Property Tax Deferral Program (Halton Region)

• see here for more details

Older Adults/Disabled Year-Over-Year Property Tax Increase Deferral

• 65 or older, or are disabled, with a combined household income under $57,800
• may be eligible to defer any year over year increase to your property tax
• a lien will be registered against the property and the amount deferred will become payable upon the sale of the property
• an annual renewal application is required to remain in the program, as well as other restrictions
• more detailed information and application can be found here

The fund's purpose is to help residents of Halton maintain their housing

• offers individuals and families one time assistance with basic housing expenses including last month's rent, rent and utility arrears, storage or moving costs and furniture
• call 311 or send an email and your information will be taken by a Customer Service Representative and a Integrated Housing Worker will contact you within 2-4 business days to further discuss your request

See Gas & Hydro Bill Assistance for further assistance options

Program allows older adult homeowners in Halton with low incomes to defer their full property taxes for as long as they remain eligible

• allows participants to focus their financial resources on their day-to-day needs, helping them to stay in their homes and improving their overall quality of life
• if you qualify, the deferral of your property taxes is interest-free

Explains different housing types and how to apply, and directs to other housing-related listings in this directory

• for emergency shelters see separate listing here

NONPROFIT HOUSING
Housing operated to fill a social need, not as a business

• may be owned by government, nonprofits or charities, co-operatives, etc.
• some is subsidized (reserved for people with low income), some is 'market rent' (open to people of any income)
• some is reserved for seniors or people with disabilities (may have supportive services, like meals, personal support, etc.)

How to find and apply to nonprofit housing:
For complete list see Halton Region website here

Details for each listing show how to apply, but in general:

• for most market-rent units, apply directly to individual housing provider
• for most (but not all) subsidized units, apply through HATCH (at Halton Region 905-825-6000, or see separate HATCH listing here)

Halton Housing Help: contact at Halton Region 905-825-6000 or see separate listing here

• can help explain the housing system, how to search and apply

PRIVATE RENTAL MARKET
Housing that is privately owned, rented as a for-profit business

How to find private rental market housing:
Halton Housing Help: contact at Halton Region 905-825-6000 or see separate listing here

• provides free help and support to tenants to find and keep rental housing
• posts listings of available housing (see here)

Rental listings can also be found in local newspapers, and on websites such as gottarent, viewit, Kijiji, etc.

YOUTH HOUSING
Bridging the Gap: for youth, ages 16 to 24, who are homeless or at risk of homelessness

• call 905-635-0663 or see full listing here

Community Youth Programs: offers residential placement for youth, ages 15 to 18, not able to live with family but not ready for independent living

• call 905-845-9718 or see full listing here

Support House: offers a full range of supportive housing options for youth ages 16 and up with mental health and/or substance use issues

• call toll free 1-833-845-9355 or see full listing here

HELP TO PAY DEPOSITS OR RENT
Halton Region Housing Stability Fund: one-time assistance with basic housing expenses to help people maintain their housing

• call Halton Region 905-825-6000 or see separate listing here

VETS Canada: for Canadian veterans who are in crisis, at risk of becoming homeless, or are homeless

• call toll free 1-888-228-3871 ext 121 or see separate listing here

HELP TO PAY UTILITIES
See separate listings for Gas & Hydro Bill Assistance here

PROPERTY TAX REBATES AND DEFERRALS
Property Tax Rebate (for lower-income seniors or people with disabilities)

• see separate listings for Burlington, Oakville, Milton and Halton Hills or contact your local municipal government

Older Adults Property Tax Deferral Program (for lower-income seniors)

• call Halton Region at 905-825-6000 or see full listing here

LEGAL HELP FOR HOUSING
Halton Community Legal Services: provides free legal assistance to those with low income, for housing and landlord/tenant issues

• call 905-875-2069 or see full listing here

Tax Rebate
Low Income Seniors Property Tax Rebate

• City of Burlington property tax rebate of $ 550 for eligible seniors (see "Eligibility" below)
• application deadline December 31 each year
• contact tax section or see website for more information and application form

Tax Deferrals
Note: using a tax deferral will make homeowner ineligible for tax rebate, and may have impact on other tax credits

Low-Income Seniors and Persons with Disabilities Property Tax Increase Deferral

• a Region of Halton program, administered by the four local municipalities, for low income seniors and low income persons with disabilities (see "Eligibility" below)
• allows eligible homeowners to defer property tax increases to keep payments at a constant level as long as the property is their principal residence
• accumulated total of all deferred amounts is paid when property is sold or no longer the applicant's principal residence
• application must be made annually, on or before 45 days after the mailing of the final property tax bill, which normally occurs in early June
• contact tax section or see website for more information and application form

Older Adults Property Tax Deferral Program

• defers the full amount of property taxes for older adults under a certain income
• deferral is interest-free
• for more details, see full listing here

• prescription drug coverage under the Ontario Drug Benefit Program
• health benefits including medical supplies, sensory and mobility aids, medical transportation
• discretionary benefits may include dentures, emergency dental services, eyeglasses, prosthetic devices, funerals and burials

• referrals to job counselling, training programs, basic education
• access to telephones, faxes, computers and job banks
• for more information contact caseworker or access additional supports by booking an appointment with closest Employment Ontario office

• housing counselling
• information and referral
• matches tenants with landlords, eviction prevention, landlord outreach and recruitment, housing listings

• must have legal status in Canada and meet income requirements
• clients of Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program may be eligible
• landlord and tenant mediation
• money management advice
• follow-up search assistance and community referrals
• also interest-free loans for first and last month's rent deposit to move into more affordable housing

• also for LEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Program), sponsored by Toronto Hydro Electric System and United Way Toronto -- assistance to low income individuals and families who are in arrears for their electricity utility bills and have exhausted all other sources of financial support
• for help with Enbridge gas bills call 1-855-487-5327

• short and long-term counselling and case management for individuals with mental health and substance use issues
• grants and financial support individuals experiencing housing issues
• mobile outreach for people living on the streets or who are under-housed and have mental health and addiction issues
• court support, and pre-charge diversion program (Caledon)
• system navigation and case management for seniors experiencing neglect and abuse

• provides money for food, shelter, and other household costs
• coverage for prescription medications under the Ontario Drug Benefit Program
• help with health costs and employment related expenses
• visit www.toronto.ca/ontarioworks for list of benefits

• discretionary benefits may include dentures, emergency dental services, eyeglasses, prosthetic devices, funerals and burials
• some benefits may be available to only those receiving social assistance, visit website for more information

• Employment centres - walk-in job search centres
• Training Programs - programs to assist clients prepare for employment, self-employment or career advancement
• Employer Hotline 416-397-JOBS (5627) --for employers to post jobs
• clients 18-65 years must participate in employment assistance activities unless they are living with a serious disability or illness, or caring for preschool children

• Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP) -- helps young parents 16-25 finish high school, improve parenting skills, locate and maintain employment
• help in pursuing child or spousal support

• provides money for food, shelter, and other household costs
• coverage for prescription medications under the Ontario Drug Benefit Program
• help with health costs and employment related expenses
• visit www.toronto.ca/ontarioworks for list of benefits

• discretionary benefits may include dentures, emergency dental services, eyeglasses, prosthetic devices, funerals and burials
• some benefits may be available to only those receiving social assistance, visit website for more information

• Employment centres - walk-in job search centres
• Training Programs - programs to assist clients prepare for employment, self-employment or career advancement
• Employer Hotline 416-397-JOBS (5627) --for employers to post jobs
• clients 18-65 years must participate in employment assistance activities unless they are living with a serious disability or illness, or caring for preschool children

• Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP) -- helps young parents 16-25 finish high school, improve parenting skills, locate and maintain employment
• help in pursuing child or spousal support

Offers a property tax credit to older adults who own residential property in Hamilton.

• complete housing screening tool to be placed on centralized housing waitlist
• eligibility information available online, including unit size and gross household income
• visit website for appeals information and request form, fax completed eligibility decision appeals to Service Manager at 905-453-0168, or send to Service Manager Appeals, 10 Centre Dr, Suite B, PO Box 2800, STN B, Brampton L6T 0E7

The Rent Ready program provides financial support for utility and rent costs to people in Hamilton who have a low income or who receive support through Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program.

Rent Ready is NOT a mandatory benefit.

• last month's rent
• rent arrears
• utility arrears
• appliances and mattresses
• bed bug prevention
• moving costs

• prescription drug coverage under the Ontario Drug Benefit Program
• health benefits including medical supplies, sensory and mobility aids, medical transportation
• discretionary benefits may include dentures, emergency dental services, eyeglasses, prosthetic devices, funerals and burials

• referrals to job counselling, training programs, basic education
• access to telephones, faxes, computers and job banks
• for more information contact caseworker or access additional supports by booking appointment with closest Employment Ontario office

• medical supplies, including diabetic and surgical supplies
• transportation to medical treatment if cost exceeds $15 per month
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Nutritional Allowance
• Extended Health Benefit may be available to clients who are no longer eligible for ODSP income support

• batteries for mobility devices and hearing aids
• guide dogs
• Special Diet Allowance may be available

• child care costs
• Work-related benefit
• Transitional health benefit
• Employment Transition Benefit

• provides money for food, shelter, and other household costs
• coverage for prescription medications under the Ontario Drug Benefit Program
• help with health costs and employment related expenses
• visit www.toronto.ca/ontarioworks for list of benefits

• discretionary benefits may include dentures, emergency dental services, eyeglasses, prosthetic devices, funerals and burials
• some benefits may be available to only those receiving social assistance, visit website for more information

• Employment centres - walk-in job search centres
• Training Programs - programs to assist clients prepare for employment, self-employment or career advancement
• Employer Hotline 416-397-JOBS (5627) --for employers to post jobs
• clients 18-65 years must participate in employment assistance activities unless they are living with a serious disability or illness, or caring for preschool children

• Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP) -- helps young parents 16-25 finish high school, improve parenting skills, locate and maintain employment
• help in pursuing child or spousal support

• provides money for food, shelter, and other household costs
• coverage for prescription medications under the Ontario Drug Benefit Program
• help with health costs and employment related expenses
• visit www.toronto.ca/ontarioworks for list of benefits

• discretionary benefits may include dentures, emergency dental services, eyeglasses, prosthetic devices, funerals and burials
• some benefits may be available to only those receiving social assistance, visit website for more information

• Employment centres - walk-in job search centres
• Training Programs - programs to assist clients prepare for employment, self-employment or career advancement
• Employer Hotline 416-397-JOBS (5627) --for employers to post jobs
• clients 18-65 years must participate in employment assistance activities unless they are living with a serious disability or illness, or caring for preschool children

• Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP) -- helps young parents 16-25 finish high school, improve parenting skills, locate and maintain employment
• help in pursuing child or spousal support

• Legal Services: phone only, 416-653-5400 ext. 1244
• Housing Services: phone only, 416-653-5400 ext. 1306 and leave a message
• Harm Reduction: phone only, 647-999-3094

• health services, health promotion
• community services and community development
• Ontario Health Insurance NOT required for general services

• family practice including crisis pregnancy, family planning, management of chronic conditions, prenatal and postnatal care, preventative health care, seniors' health, sexual health
• individual and sexuality counselling, treatment of sexually transmitted diseases
• counselling and case management
• dietitian
• podiatry clinic

• breastfeeding clinic
• child and parenting programs, including Spanish-speaking groups
• Diabetes Education Centre
• harm reduction programs
• seniors programs
• Toronto Public Health dental clinic
• women's programs
• youth programs

• Adult Protective Service program for adults with developmental disabilities
• community kitchen

• client advocacy, crisis referral to shelters
• eviction prevention, information and referral
• housing search
• landlord outreach, negotiation with landlords
• Housing Connections Access Centre, Share the Warmth
• other Home Services -- Rent Bank and Streets to Homes Follow-up Services

• portable - benefits may be received even if moved to another address
• based on household income and local market rent

• provides money for food, shelter, and other household costs
• coverage for prescription medications under the Ontario Drug Benefit Program
• help with health costs and employment related expenses
• visit www.toronto.ca/ontarioworks for list of benefits

• discretionary benefits may include dentures, emergency dental services, eyeglasses, prosthetic devices, funerals and burials
• some benefits may be available to only those receiving social assistance, visit website for more information

• Employment centres - walk-in job search centres
• Training Programs - programs to assist clients prepare for employment, self-employment or career advancement
• Employer Hotline 416-397-JOBS (5627) --for employers to post jobs
• clients 18-65 years must participate in employment assistance activities unless they are living with a serious disability or illness, or caring for preschool children

• Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP) -- helps young parents 16-25 finish high school, improve parenting skills, locate and maintain employment
• help in pursuing child or spousal support

• support finding and maintaining housing
• eviction prevention and housing stabilization services, landlord tenant mediation
• Housing First case management and advocacy
• information, referral, assistance with applications for subsidized, supportive housing, or emergency shelters
• crisis intervention
• drop-in program, free telephone and computer use during drop-in hours
• Streets to Homes Follow-up Program -- services and specialized help for formerly homeless individuals with complex needs, ID clinic
• financial literacy, tenant rights and life skills sessions,
• support groups for women for socialization and informal networking
• individual counselling for survivors of domestic violence

• applicants must be low income with adequate income to sustain their housing
• must have legal status in Canada, and pay market rent (not subsidized)
• additional eligibility criteria apply, Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program recipients not eligible, but can be referred to other programs

• also for LEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Program), sponsored by Toronto Hydro Electric System and United Way Toronto -- assistance to low income individuals and families who are in arrears for their electricity utility bills and have exhausted all other sources of financial support
• for help with Enbridge gas bills call 1-855-487-5327