Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit (COHB)
A monthly, portable rent subsidy paid directly to eligible low-income households so they can afford housing in the private market — no need to wait for a subsidized unit to open up.
Important: You cannot apply for COHB through a public website. Households are identified and referred by their local service manager or a partner agency. If you think you qualify, contact your local service manager and ask to be considered.
What is COHB?
The Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit is jointly funded by the federal and provincial governments. Unlike rent-geared-to-income housing (which is tied to a specific unit), COHB is portable — it follows the household. The benefit tops up the difference between what you can afford and the average market rent in your area, and is paid to you (or your landlord) every month.
Who is eligible?
- Be a permanent resident of Ontario and a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or refugee/refugee claimant.
- Be on, or eligible for, a local social housing centralized wait list. (Accepting COHB usually means being removed from that wait list.)
- Rent in the private market and not already receive another housing subsidy such as RGI. Ontario Works / ODSP shelter amounts are allowed.
- File an annual income tax return, and fall within income limits (roughly up to ~$56,000 for a 1-bedroom, higher for larger households).
- Have liquid assets generally under $50,000 (single) or $75,000 (family).
Priority groups
Because funding is limited, service managers prioritize referrals from groups such as:
| Priority group | Examples |
|---|---|
| Survivors of violence | People fleeing domestic violence or human trafficking |
| Homelessness | People experiencing or at risk of homelessness |
| Indigenous peoples | First Nations, Métis and Inuit households |
| Vulnerable populations | Seniors, persons with disabilities, youth leaving care |
How the application works
- Referral: Your service manager, housing worker or a community agency identifies you.
- Application packet: You submit ID, proof of income (Notice of Assessment), and your rent/utility costs.
- Review: The application is reviewed locally, then sent to the Ministry of Finance for a final decision (usually 6–8 weeks).
- Payment: If approved, monthly payments begin and are reviewed each year.
Annual renewal: Every May the Ministry of Finance sends a renewal form. You must return it by the deadline (typically September 1) or the benefit ends — and it cannot be reinstated. Keep your income and contact info up to date.
Estimate your benefit
Want a rough idea of what COHB could be worth for your household? Try the estimator on our tools page.
Open the COHB estimatorOfficial source
Read the province's official overview and confirm current numbers at ontario.ca/page/canada-ontario-housing-benefit .