With rent prices continuing to climb across Canadian cities, the federal government has brought back the $500 Canada Housing Benefit for 2025. This one-time, tax-free payment is designed to help low- and moderate-income renters who are struggling with high housing costs and stagnant wages.
Administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), the benefit is now open for applications. Here’s a simple guide on who qualifies, how much you can expect, and how to apply.
Table of Contents
Eligibility
To receive the $500 housing benefit in 2025, you’ll need to meet all of the CRA’s criteria. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Eligibility Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Income Threshold | Less than $35,000 (individuals) or $55,000 (families) |
| Rent Paid | Must have spent 30% or more of income on rent in 2024 |
| Age Requirement | Must be 15 years or older as of July 1, 2025 |
| Residency Status | Must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes |
| Tax Filing | Must have filed a 2024 income tax return |
You might be asked to provide rental receipts or a lease to prove your eligibility. This benefit is intended specifically for renters—so if you own your home, you won’t qualify.
Schedule
The CRA has released a detailed timeline for the housing benefit rollout in 2025:
| Phase | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Applications Open | July 15, 2025 | Apply online via CRA My Account or by phone |
| Payments Begin | July 25, 2025 | Direct deposit preferred, cheques available |
| Application Deadline | October 31, 2025 | No late applications accepted |
Once your application is approved, the $500 will be sent directly to your bank account or mailed if you’re not signed up for direct deposit.
Purpose
Why does this benefit matter in 2025? Because rent is still going up—by as much as 12–18% in some cities compared to pre-pandemic prices. For many renters, wages haven’t kept up, and housing is taking a bigger chunk out of monthly budgets.
The $500 payment isn’t a fix-all, but it’s meaningful support. It especially helps:
- Seniors living on fixed pensions
- Young workers starting out
- Single parents juggling rent and childcare
- Low-wage earners in expensive cities
It’s a short-term cushion that can help keep families housed and avoid financial emergencies.
Application
Applying is easy. Here’s what you need to do:
- Log in to your CRA My Account
- Go to the “Benefits and Credits” section
- Click “Apply for Housing Benefit”
- Enter rent and income details from 2024
- Upload documents like rent receipts if requested
- Confirm your banking info for direct deposit
If you don’t have online access, you can call the CRA to request a paper application. Processing takes about 10 to 15 business days, so apply early to avoid delays.
Reminder
This benefit is not recurring—you only get it once. That’s why it’s important to apply before the deadline on October 31, 2025. Miss that date, and you miss the payment altogether.
The $500 Canada Housing Benefit 2025 is a timely support program aimed at helping Canadians cover rising rental costs.
If you’re a renter who meets the criteria, this is a chance to get meaningful help with no extra hassle. Just file your taxes, gather your documents, and apply as soon as the window opens in July.
FAQs
Who can get the $500 housing benefit?
Low-income renters who meet CRA income and rent criteria.
When does the application open?
Applications start on July 15, 2025.
What is the deadline to apply?
October 31, 2025 is the final date to apply.
Is this a monthly payment?
No, it’s a one-time, non-taxable payment.
How do I apply for the housing benefit?
Apply through CRA My Account or request a paper form by phone.
