Bruce County - Human Services - Housing - Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit

Unable to confirm information since March 31,2025.

Provides a portable monthly housing allowance for low-income households to help with housing costs. Under COHB, assistance is tied to the household not to a physical housing unit. This allows the benefit to support households where they currently reside and to move with the household to any area in Ontario. As a result, recipients have more flexibility to choose where they live so they can be closer to family, social support networks, schools and employment opportunities.

All households who receive COHB must complete an Annual Renewal Application each year through the Ministry of Finance to ensure the continuation of their benefits.

The COHB pays the difference between 30 per cent of the household's income and the average market rent in the area. For recipients of social assistance, the COHB will pay the difference between the shelter allowance and the household's rent and utility costs. The program is administered by the Province of Ontario and the benefit amount is reviewed every year.

• be a minimum of 16 years old
• Reside permanently in Ontario and be a resident of Bruce County
• Be on a Housing Registry waitlist or meet the eligibility criteria to be on the Waitlist.
• Not be receiving a housing subsidy or any other government funded housing benefit other than social assistance shelter payments.
• Have complete most recent year tax return
• Currently renting or have a plan to move into a rental.

• Persons experiencing homelessness.
• Survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking.
• Indigenous persons
• Seniors.
• Persons with Disabilities.