Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit
2025-2026 update
Residents cannot apply for this housing benefit directly. We're currently in the process of determining which clients will be referred for the benefit with a fair and unbiased process. If you are eligible for the benefit, we will contact you.
The Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit is a monthly housing allowance for low-income households to help with housing costs. The allowance is calculated based on a formula that includes the household income, the number of people in the house and the local housing market rents in the Peel Region.
Eligibility is determined by the Ontario Ministry of Finance. All households who receive the Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit must complete an Annual Renewal Application each year to ensure the continuation of their benefits.
Unlike other forms of housing benefit, COHB is attached to a person or household and not a specific address or physical housing unit.
To apply for Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit through Peel Region, you must meet the eligibility criteria:
- Be a current resident of Peel.
- Be on a centralized wait list, or if not on the wait list, then meet the eligibility criteria to be on wait list, or be living in a community housing.
- Meet specific income and assets criteria.
- Not be receiving a housing subsidy, or any other government-funded housing benefit other than social assistance shelter payments. If so, then agree to give up the housing allowance or subsidy.
- Consent to being removed from the centralized wait list in Peel.
- Not own or live in a home owned by a member of your household, if so, then when approved for the Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit, you must move out of the home within 90 days of being determined eligible.
- Additional eligibility criteria may be required as part of the Peel Region’s Housing and Homelessness Plan.
If you need other housing support, but are not sure what options are available, you can either:
- Call 905-453-1300.
- Complete our housing services screening tool.