A major housing support boost is set to land in October 2025—a brand‑new $1,200 Canada Housing Benefit (CHB) top‑up aimed at helping low‑income renters cover rising costs.
This top‑up isn’t automatic and has specific eligibility rules. Here’s an in‑depth look at who qualifies, how to apply, when payments arrive, and what to expect overall.
What Is the $1,200 Housing Benefit Top‑Up?
The Canada Housing Benefit is a national program under the National Housing Strategy, providing rental support to Canadians who spend more than 30% of their income on housing. In mid‑2025, the federal government approved a one-time top‑up payment of $1,200, issued to eligible renters in October 2025.
This is a tax‑free special payment, separate from routine monthly supplements issued by provincial housing programs.
Payment & Timeline
- Announcement: Mid‑2025
- Deposit Date: October 2025, around property or housing benefit payment cycles
- Distribution: By CRA through direct deposit or mailed cheque
- Requirement: Must have filed a 2024 federal tax return before deadline, and applied via CRA or provincial portal
Eligibility: Who Qualifies?
To be eligible for the $1,200 top‑up, you must meet all of the following:
- Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes in 2024
- Be aged 15 or older by December 1, 2024
- Have filed a 2024 tax return (and have a spouse/partner also file, if applicable)
- Have adjusted net income below federal thresholds (e.g. $35,000 for families or $20,000 for individuals in prior similar programs)
- Have paid at least 30% of your net income on rent during 2024
- Not be receiving another similar lump‑sum housing top‑up
Benefit Details at a Glance
| Payment Amount | $1,200 (one-time top‑up) |
| Taxable | No – fully tax‑free |
| Distribution Date | October 2025 |
| Eligibility Criteria | Income-based, rent percentage, age, tax filing, residency |
| Application Required | Yes—via CRA My Account or provincial portal |
| Impact on Other Benefits | No impact on GST/HST credit, Canada Child Benefit, or social benefits |
| Delivery Method | Direct deposit preferred; mailed cheque if no bank info available |
Provincial & Federal Coordination
Although the Canada Housing Benefit is federally funded, it’s administered through provincial and territorial housing agencies. The $1,200 top‑up is handled through the Canada Revenue Agency, but eligibility verification may involve provincial housing programs like:
- Ontario Housing Benefit
- BC Housing Benefit
- Nova Scotia or Quebec shelter allowance programs
Typically provincial rental support programs require annual renewal, income verification, and formal reporting of changes in household or rent.
Claims & Renewal Process
- File your 2024 federal tax return by early April 2025
- Verify income and rent ratio through CRA or provincial portal
- Apply for the top‑up via CRA My Account or your province-specific portal starting late summer 2025
- Provide landlord/renter information and attest rent‑paid data
- Confirm direct deposit banking info or mailing address by early autumn
- Monitor CRA My Account for approval and deposit notice
Most applicants will receive the benefit as a direct deposit around October, aligning with other scheduled credit payments.
Why This $1,200 Top‑Up Matters
- Immediate relief for when rent takes up more than 30% of income
- Simple, one-time support—no long-term enrolment required
- No reduction in other federal or provincial benefits
- Helps low-income households, seniors, students, and single renters
- Streamlined delivery, leveraging existing CRA systems
Canada’s $1,200 Housing Benefit Top‑Up scheduled for October 2025 promises valuable relief for eligible low-income renters.
This tax-free lump sum helps offset housing costs and is designed not to interfere with other federal or provincial benefits.
Act now to ensure you qualify: file your 2024 tax return, confirm your rent to income ratio, update banking details in CRA My Account, and submit your top-up application when portal opens. Do not miss this opportunity—it could be the financial boost you need heading into autumn.
FAQs
Do I automatically get the $1,200 housing benefit top‑up?
No—you must apply. While the CRA will pre-screen eligible taxpayers, you need to confirm and submit your application via CRA My Account or your province’s portal.
Will this top‑up affect my other benefits like GST/HST Credit or Canada Child Benefit?
No. This *$1,200 housing payment is fully tax‑free and is not counted against other income-based benefits.
What if I miss the October payment window? Can I still get it later?
Applications are expected to close shortly after the scheduled deposit date. If you miss applying before the deadline, you risk losing eligibility permanently—act early.