Service Description
The Canada-Nova Scotia Targeted Housing Benefit (CNSTHB) provides funding directly to people in need so they can choose their own housing and pay a portion of their housing costs. Homeowners can receive support to stay in their own homes and renters have the ability to take the benefit with them if they move to another apartment in the province.
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.
The benefit for renters varies based on household size and income, and the local average market rents. Homeowners can receive up to $200 per month.
Eligibility
Funding for the CNSTHB is available to:
• Renters who pay more than 30% of their pre-tax household income on rent
• Homeowners who pay more than 50% of their pre-tax household income on their housing costs
To be eligible for a portable monthly housing allowance under the CNSTHB, individuals must:
• Be a resident of Nova Scotia with status in Canada
• Be in core or severe housing need: Core housing need refers to a renter household spending more than 30% of its gross household income on shelter costs • Severe housing need refers to a homeowner household spending more than 50% of its gross household income on shelter costs
• Not already be living in public housing, be on the housing authority’s waitlist, or in receipt of another housing benefit
• Have an annual pre-tax household income that falls below the current Household Income Limits for their eligible unit size in their area
Individuals that study full time in a recognized post-secondary institution, may be eligible for this benefit if they have dependents, if they have a physical disability, and/or if they are in need of an accessible rental unit.
In addition to the eligibility requirements above, to be eligible for the homeowners benefit, individuals must:
• Own or have a life interest in their own home, which is assessed for property tax purposes at no more than:
• $250,000 within the Halifax Regional Municipality
• $175,000 in other regions of Nova Scotia
• Live in their home permanently
Please note that other conditions may apply. See applicant guide on the website for more details.
Application Process
Review the Applicant Guide available on the website • Fill out the application form available on the website and attach any required documents
Completed applications can be submitted by email or by postal mail
Call or email the housing supplement team for more information or to request an application be mailed to you
Documents Required
Completed application including supporting documents (proof of income) • Authorization for Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Form, available on the website
Fees
No fees
Languages Offered
English
Coverage Area
Nova Scotia