Canada-Nova Scotia Targeted Housing Benefit

Canada-Nova Scotia Targeted Housing Benefit (Rent Supplement Program)

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Please Note: It is important that you carefully review the application form and ensure all required documents are included to avoid a delay in reviewing your application. Incomplete applications (missing information or documents, such as proof of income etc.) will be returned to the applicant unprocessed.

The Canada-Nova Scotia Targeted Housing Benefit (CNSTHB) provides a monthly housing allowance directly to eligible households to help pay a part of their housing costs.  Homeowners can receive support to help them stay in their own homes and renters have the flexibility to take the benefit with them if they move to another apartment in the province. 

Funding for the CNSTHB is available to:

  1. Renters who pay more than 50% of their pre-tax (gross) household income on rent*; or

  2. Homeowners who pay more than 50% of their pre-tax household income on their housing costs.

*Rent is based on Average Market Rent (AMR) for your region not your actual rent paid. Staff reviewing your application will determine the AMR for your region and calculate your subsidy payment based on that AMR and your total pre-tax (gross) household income.

How much is the monthly allowance?

The benefit for renters varies based on household composition and income, and the local average market rent. Homeowners can receive up to $200 per month.

Who can qualify?

To be eligible for a portable monthly housing allowance under the CNSTHB, you must:

  • Be a resident of Nova Scotia with status in Canada
  • Be in severe housing need. Severe housing need refers to a household spending more than 50% of its total pre-tax (gross) household income on rent or shelter costs (mortgage and utilities).
  • Have an annual total pre-tax (gross) household income that falls below the current Household Income Limits for your eligible unit size in your area.

If you study full time in a recognized post-secondary institution, you may be eligible for this benefit if you have dependents, if you have a physical disability, and/or in need of an accessible rental unit.

In addition to the eligibility requirements above, to be eligible for the homeowner's benefit, you must:

  • Own or have a life interest in your own home, which is assessed for property tax purposes at no more than:
  • $300,000 within the Halifax Regional Municipality
  • $200,000 in other regions of Nova Scotia
  • Live in your home permanently.

Please note that other conditions may apply. See applicant guide for more details.

How do I apply?

Mail:

  1. Review the Applicant Guide to determine if you may qualify
  2. Fill out the application form
  3. Attach any required documents
  4. Mail your application and supporting documents to: 

ATTN: Housing Benefit Unit
P.O. Box 702, Stn. Central
Halifax, NS B3J 2T3

Online:

  1. Review the applicant guide to decide if you may qualify
  2. Fill out the fillable application form
  3. Attach supporting documents
  4.  Email package to: housingsupplements@novascotia.ca

Review Process

  1. Our team will review your application to ensure it is complete, correct and that all required documents are included.
  2. We will contact you if any information is missing.
  3. A caseworker in your region will then review your information to assess your eligibility.
  4. You will receive a notice of a final decision by email or regular mail.

The review process may take some time based on volume of applications. However, if you are at risk of losing your house or apartment due to financial hardship, please let us know about your situation when you send your application.

Please note that applicants will be contacted once their application has been reviewed. Staff will not respond to individual inquiries regarding application status.

Important Documents

Renter Benefit

Homeowner Benefit

Authorization for Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Form (download)

Contact

For more information about the Canada-Nova Scotia Targeted Housing Benefit, contact us:

About the Program

Jointly funded by the Government of Nova Scotia and the Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation (CMHC) under the National Housing Strategy (NHS). Over 8 years, the Government of Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia will invest $120 million to provide direct support to 6,000 individuals and families for their housing costs. The program is aimed at people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, those in core housing need, seniors, single individuals under the age of 58 with no dependent, and homeowners in severe housing need. 

Payment Dates 2023

You will receive your Rent Supplement funding by direct deposit on the following dates. If you receive your Rent Supplement funding by cheque mailed to you, it may take longer to arrive.
Direct deposits will be made on these dates.