News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – Low-income New Brunswick working families may now apply for the Canada-New Brunswick Housing Benefit.

“The objective of this program is to provide financial assistance to families to improve their quality of life,” said Social Development Minister Bruce Fitch. “This joint effort between our government and the federal government will provide support to families searching for suitable housing and enhanced working opportunities.”

The program provides a short-term benefit averaging between $300 to $475 per month, depending upon household income, composition and location. The program aims to support about 6,700 households in the province over the next seven years. This represents an investment of more than $98.3 million, equally shared between the provincial and federal governments.

“Families with children often have to cope with additional costs for shelter, food, clothing, child care, and transportation,” said Families, Children and Social Development Minister Ahmed Hussen, who is also minister responsible for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. “These costs can easily become an obstacle to employment or access to better job opportunities. The Canada-New Brunswick Housing Benefit will help ensure nearly 6,700 families across the province will receive rental support to keep up with the cost of living. This is the National Housing Strategy at work.”

Applicants must meet the following criteria.

• They live and work in New Brunswick.
• They must be a parent with primary custody of a child or children under 19 or of one or more dependents with a disability, 19 or older.
• They rent where they live.
• They do not receive a housing subsidy from the Department of Social Development.
• They are working and earn a minimum of $14,200 per year and a maximum of $38,000 before tax household employment income. Note: This is the combined before tax employment income of all adults over 19 living in the home.
• Their income is reported to Canada Revenue Agency.
• They are the only person in the household applying for and receiving this benefit.

There are detailed instructions available online and any inquiries regarding the benefit can be emailed to [email protected].

Residents who do not meet the eligibility criteria for this benefit may qualify for other support provided by the Department of Social Development. For more information, residents may call 211.