$498 Canada Housing Boost Now Open, How to Apply Before the June 30 Deadline

Rent prices are rising fast, and for many Canadians, it’s becoming harder to afford basic living expenses. That’s why the federal government is rolling out the \$498 Canada Housing Boost, a one-time, tax-free payment aimed at helping low-income renters stay afloat.

The program officially launched in June 2025, and with a strict application deadline of June 30, 2025, eligible Canadians have only a short window to act. Whether you rent a studio apartment, a room, or share a unit, this benefit could offer immediate financial relief if you qualify.

Why the Housing Boost Matters (Canada’s Rent Crisis)

Canada’s rental housing market is under strain. Nationally, rents surged by 10.5% year-over-year in early 2025. Cities like Toronto and Vancouver have seen even sharper increases, pushing many renters to the edge of affordability.

This housing boost is designed to be fast, direct, and accessible. It’s not a loan, doesn’t interfere with your other benefits, and doesn’t require long-term enrollment. It’s targeted emergency help meant to put cash directly in renters’ hands—quickly.

Key Program Details at a Glance

Feature	Details
Program Name	\$498 Canada Housing Boost
Payment Type	One-time, tax-free
Maximum Amount	Up to \$498, based on eligibility
Deadline	June 30, 2025
Processing Time	5–7 business days (direct deposit)
	10–12 business days (by cheque)
How to Apply	Online or by phone
Official Website	Canada.ca

Eligibility Requirements (Who Qualifies?)

To qualify for the Canada Housing Boost, you must meet all of the following conditions:

General Requirements

• Be a Canadian resident in 2025
• Be 15 years of age or older
• Have filed your 2023 income tax return

Income Limits

• Individuals must have a net income of \$20,000 or less
• Families must have a combined household income of \$35,000 or less

Rent-to-Income Threshold

You must have spent at least 30% of your adjusted net income on rent during 2023.

Example:
If you earned \$18,000 in 2023, your rent must have totaled \$5,400 or more for the year—equivalent to \$450/month on average.

Extra Support for Seniors

If you’re 60 or older and earned less than \$37,240 in 2023, you may also be eligible for a \$430 rent top-up through a related senior housing assistance stream.

This is in addition to the \$498 housing boost and is automatically assessed during the application process.

How to Apply for the Housing Boost

Applying is simple, especially if your tax documents and rent records are ready. You can apply online or by phone, whichever works best for you.

Documents You’ll Need

• 2023 Notice of Assessment from your tax return
• Rent receipts or a signed lease agreement showing rental payments for 2023
• Government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license or health card)
• Proof of current address (e.g., utility bill or government letter)

Online Application (CRA My Account)

1. Visit CRA My Account
2. Log in using secure credentials
3. Navigate to “Housing Benefit”
4. Follow the step-by-step guide and submit documents as needed

Phone Application

Call 1-800-282-8079 to apply with the help of a CRA representative.

Be sure to have the following ready:

• Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• 2023 rent proof
• Tax return details

Payment Timelines

• Direct deposit: Within 5–7 business days of approval
• Cheque by mail: Typically 10–12 business days

To avoid delays, make sure your direct deposit details are updated with CRA.

Maria’s Story: A Real-Life Example

Maria, 29, works part-time in Toronto and earned \$18,500 in 2023. She pays \$1,000/month in rent for her share of a two-bedroom unit.

After hearing about the benefit:

• She logged into CRA My Account
• Uploaded her lease agreement and tax documents
• Was approved within a week
• Received her \$498 payment in six days

Maria used the funds to pay overdue utility bills and stock up on groceries—exactly the kind of support this benefit is designed to provide.

Tips to Maximize Your Benefit

• Apply early: Don’t wait until the last week
• Use CRA tools: The online Benefit Calculator helps estimate eligibility
• Update bank details: To ensure fast direct deposits
• Check provincial programs: If you receive aid like RAP or SAFER, you may get the boost automatically
• Visit a CVITP tax clinic if you need help filing taxes or applying

Not Sure If You’re Eligible? Don’t Guess—Check

If you’re uncertain whether you qualify:

• Use the CRA eligibility checker via My Account
• Call the CRA helpline
• Visit a local tax clinic or community center
• Apply anyway—you could be approved

This benefit is meant to support struggling renters. If your rent is eating up your income, this one-time payment can help ease the pressure—but you must act before June 30.

Bottom Line: A Fast, No-Strings Housing Lifeline

The \$498 Canada Housing Boost is targeted, tax-free help for Canadians feeling the pinch of rising rents. There’s no catch, no repayment, and no impact on your other benefits. But time is short.

If you meet the requirements, apply today and secure the help you deserve—before the deadline passes.