Canada-Nova Scotia Targeted Housing Benefit

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Service Description

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:

Renters who pay more than 50% of their pre-tax (gross) household income on rent • The benefit for renters varies based on household composition and income, and the local average market rent or;
Homeowners who pay more than 50% of their pre-tax household income on their housing costs • The benefit for homeowners can be up to $200 per month

• 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.

Eligibility

Funding for the CNSTHB is available to:

• Renters who pay more than 50% 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 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.

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