News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – More low-income, working families now have access to the Canada-New Brunswick Housing Benefit program, which provides short-term funding to help make ends meet. The program has been expanded to help families with employment incomes from $12,500 to $50,000.

“We are pleased to collaborate with our federal counterparts to allow more New Brunswick families have access to much-needed support,” said Social Development Minister Bruce Fitch. “This will ensure that many hard-working New Brunswickers can have a higher quality of life and will allow more families to keep more money in their pockets.”

The program, which was launched in June, initially provided a short-term rental affordability benefit to families with employment incomes from $14,000 to $38,000.

“Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home,” said federal Housing and Diversity and Inclusion Minister Ahmed Hussen, who is also minister responsible for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. “The Canada – New Brunswick Housing Benefit is designed to give over 6,700 households in need a boost, while ensuring that no one has to choose between paying rent or putting food on the table. This program will make a big impact on the lives of hard-working families in New Brunswick, and it shows that the National Housing Strategy is at work.”

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.

More program information and details on the application process are available online.

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 $12,500 per year and a maximum of $50,000 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.

Any questions about the application process can be emailed to [email protected]. Assistance is also available by phone by calling 211.

This benefit is intended for low-income New Brunswick workers with children. Residents who do not meet the eligibility criteria may qualify for other support provided by the Department of Social Development. For more information, call 1-833-733-7835.