Seniors who find it difficult to afford rent and daily living expenses can apply for subsidies and other low-income housing programs in Canada.
These programs typically adjust tenants’ rent according to their income, ensuring seniors won’t be financially overburdened to live comfortably.
This article covers the housing options provided by each province and territory to seniors.
Key Takeaways
- Every province/territory offers different subsidized or affordable housing programs. Their eligibility criteria, which often include factors such as age and income thresholds, also vary.
- Seniors (or their loved ones) can apply for these programs on their own online or by contacting local housing authorities or government agencies.
- Most subsidized units that are geared towards income require tenants to pay 25% to 30% of their household income.
Government Housing for Low-Income Seniors: By Province
These are the various housing programs offered by provinces and territories.
Alberta Affordable Housing Programs
The government of Alberta offers two types of affordable housing for seniors who are 65 years old or older.
To be eligible for these programs, applicants must earn below the local income thresholds of their specific municipality.
Seniors apartments
The Seniors Self-contained Housing program of Alberta offers apartment-style housing for seniors who can live independently, with or without the assistance of community-based services.
This subsidy allows tenants to pay only 30% of their household’s adjusted income for rent, which would already include water, heat, and sewer expenses.
Seniors Lodge
The Seniors Lodge program offers all-in-one lodging for seniors. In addition to rooms, it also provides meals, recreational opportunities, and housekeeping services.
The prices of these lodges vary depending on the local housing provider and the region’s cost of living. However, qualifying residents must have at least $357 of disposable income left per month after paying the lodge’s monthly rate.
Note: Applicants younger than 65 years old may still be eligible for the Seniors Lodge program if they have eligible special circumstances.
BC Subsidized Housing for Seniors
In British Columbia, seniors aged 55 and older may be eligible for subsidized housing if their household assets are worth less than $100,000 and their household income is below the certain limits highlighted in the table below.
| Location in BC | Household Income Limit |
| Lower Mainland | $58,000 |
| Southern BC | $57,000 |
| Vancouver Island | $57,000 |
| Northern BC | $47,000 |
Through this program, eligible seniors only need to contribute 30% of their household total gross income towards rent.
The partners of eligible seniors may also benefit from this program, allowing couples to live together.
Related: Canadian Government Grants for Seniors
Manitoba Supportive Housing for Seniors
The Manitoba government has set up the Aging in Place initiative that provides seniors affordable access to community housing where options for assistance and support can be adjusted according to individual needs.
There are three models under this initiative.
Seniors in Group Living
In this model, enhanced support is provided to designated existing senior housing in the province. The support received from this model comes at no additional costs for the tenants, as it’s the government’s helping hand to ensure seniors can stay independent for as long as possible.
Supportive Housing
Supportive Housing is another concept under the Aging in Place initiative. These supported environments are geared toward seniors who need 24-hour support yet still want to live in an apartment setting.
Seniors of Supportive Housing can easily access social interaction opportunities and enjoy basic amenities such as laundry assistance and community dining rooms.
Residents pay for the rent and service packages themselves, but the regional health authority funds personal care.
Personal Care Homes
Personal Care Homes are ideal for senior citizens who need 24/7 nursing care. These homes already cover all the personal care services seniors may need, including meals, assistance with daily activities, and therapies.
Residents of Personal Care Homes pay a daily residential fee that’s proportionate to their and their spouse’s income. The province covers the remaining cost.
New Brunswick Public Housing and Rent Supplement Programs
The New Brunswick Public Housing and Rent Supplement Program is available for individuals and couples who need safe and suitable housing within their financial means.
Seniors are eligible for these programs, provided that they can live independently with little or no support.
Among several options available, two programs are the most relevant for seniors. Each program requires tenants to pay 30% of their income.
Public Housing
Public Housing units are owned by The Department of Social Development and are suitable for individuals and families alike. Some units are equipped with accessibility features.
Rent Supplement Program
In this program, seniors can rent from private landlords who have agreements with Social Development. Tenants will have a normal landlord-tenant relationship, but the program will pay the difference between the rent paid by tenants and the unit’s rent market value.
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Programs
In Newfoundland and Labrador, seniors and those whose income falls under certain income levels are eligible to file for the low-income rental housing program provided by the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC).
The non-profit housing from this program will only charge tenants 25% of their total net monthly income. For some individuals, rent may even be paid through Income Support.
Nova Scotia Seniors Housing
Nova Scotia offers two types of government housing for low-income Nova Scotians who are over the age of 58.
Seniors Housing
This option is catered towards seniors who need age-friendly housing yet still have very little or no care needs. Units rented from this program are similar to any other apartment, and although home care isn’t directly provided, it can be easily accessed if needed.
For Seniors Housing, tenants’ rent is determined by factors such as their annual income and how long they’ve lived in the community where the apartment is located.
Enriched Seniors Housing
This housing program is suitable for Nova Scotian seniors with certain levels of home care needs yet still want to live in their own apartments independently.
Enriched Seniors Housing units are connected to nursing homes, so it’s easy for tenants to access assistance in their day-to-day activities, such as housekeeping, medication assistance, and meal preparation.
Note: Not available in all parts of Nova Scotia.
Northwest Territories Public Housing
In Northwest Territories, seniors can access the Public Housing program that provides income-based subsidies for tenants.
The rent of these public housing units is tied to household income levels and the community where you want to live.
The cheapest housing units cost $70 per month and are offered to tenants who earn less than $1,667 per month. The most expensive units, which cost $1,625 monthly, on the other hand, are for those who earn at least $8,334 per month.
The Public Housing Program in Nunavut offers subsidized housing to tenants based on the total gross income(s) of one or two primary tenants of the units.
Households who earn less than $33,280 annually will pay minimum rent, which is $60 per month. For those who earn more, rent is set at 20%, 25%, or the maximum 30% of their income for rent, depending on how much their annual income is.
Note: As Nunavut is experiencing a housing shortage, public housing in most communities has a long waitlist. However, the program adds new public housing units across the province annually.
Ontario Seniors Housing
Seniors in Ontario can access various financial assistance programs to make housing more affordable and accessible.
For homeowners
The Ontario Renovates provides forgivable loans to low-to-moderate-income homeowners who need to make repairs to improve the accessibility and conditions of their homes. Plus, seniors with eligible homes can receive property tax relief.
Seniors who need affordable housing
If you or your loved one needs affordable housing, the government of Ontario suggests contacting your local service manager to access non-profit housing programs.
Service managers typically offer rent-geared-to-income (RGI) public housing, which charges 30% of your income for rent, and affordable housing programs (AHP) with apartment buildings that are cheaper than the typical market rates.
Prince Edward Island Seniors Housing
Seniors who are at least 60 years old (or 55 if living with a disability) may be approved for two types of seniors housing.
Government-owned housing
The government offers affordable bachelor, one-bedroom, and some two-bedroom units to low-income seniors. Most tenants only pay 25% of their household income for rent, and the expenses for heating costs and maintenance are already included.
Note: The income thresholds for bachelor units and one-bedroom units are $25,500 and $36,500, respectively. The threshold increases for units with more bedrooms.
Landlord-owned housing
Seniors who rent from private landlords may receive rent supplements to help offset the cost of their rented units.
Quebec Seniors Low-Rental Housing
Seniors in Quebec can access the Low-Rental Housing program, which allows tenants to pay 25% of their household income for rent.
To be eligible for this program, seniors must be able to meet their basic needs, such as personal care and chores, on their own or with the assistance of an outside resource or carer.
They must also have already lived in the landlord’s selection area for at least 12 months of the previous two years prior to their application.
Saskatchewan Seniors Housing Supports
Low-income seniors who meet specified gross income and asset limits can apply for Saskatchewan’s Subsidized and Affordable Rental program, which is designed for seniors who can live independently with or without support.
When renting subsidized units, the amount you pay for rent will be based on your income. These housing options are available for those who are 55 years old or older.
Yukon Rent-Geared-To-Income Program
Yukon seniors who meet the household income limit thresholds and have less than $100,000 in assets can apply for the government’s affordable housing program, where they only have to pay 25% of their gross household income for rent.
To be eligible, applicants must have lived in Yukon for 12 continuous months prior to their application. However, those who lived in the territory before and have recently moved back may receive credit.
How Do You Qualify for Low-Income Senior Housing in Canada?
Every province/territory in Canada has different eligibility requirements for low-income senior housing. So, the best way to know how you can qualify for this assistance is to visit the official website of your province/territory.
For the most part, though, seniors often have to meet a certain age requirement and earn below an income threshold to qualify for affordable housing that’s typically geared to the tenant’s income.
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