$498 Canada Housing Boost Coming in June 2025 – How to Claim It Before It Expires!

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 the application deadline is June 30, 2025, so time is short.

Whether you rent a small apartment or a shared unit, this benefit could provide immediate relief. Let’s break down who qualifies, how to apply, and what you need to claim your payment.

Overview

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

Why This Matters

Canada’s rental market is in crisis. Nationally, rents jumped 10.5% year-over-year in early 2025, with hotspots like Vancouver and Toronto seeing even steeper hikes. That’s where this housing benefit steps in—to provide emergency help for those most affected.

This isn’t a loan. It’s a tax-free benefit that won’t affect your other benefits and doesn’t require long-term program enrollment. That means quicker help, fewer hoops, and more renters qualifying for support.

Who Qualifies?

To be eligible, you must meet 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: Net income must be $20,000 or less
• Families: Combined household income must be $35,000 or less

Rent Threshold

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

Example:
If your 2023 income was $18,000, you need to show that you paid at least $5,400 in rent ($450/month average).

Extra Help for Seniors

If you’re 60 or older and earn less than $37,240, you could also qualify for an additional $430 rent top-up from a related senior housing assistance stream.

How to Apply

You can apply online or over the phone. Both are quick, as long as you have the right documents ready.

What You Need

• 2023 Notice of Assessment (from your tax return)
• Rent receipts or lease agreement showing your payments for 2023
• Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or health card)
• Proof of address (utility bill or official letter)

Online Application

• Go to CRA My Account
• Log in securely
• Click “Housing Benefit”
• Follow the guided steps

Phone Application

• Call 1-800-282-8079
• Have your SIN, rent proof, and tax details ready
• Apply with a CRA agent over the phone

When You’ll Get Paid

• Direct deposit: 5–7 business days
• Mailed cheque: 10–12 business days

Tips to Maximize Your Benefit

• Apply early: The sooner you apply, the sooner you’ll get your payment
• Use CRA tools: Log into My Account and use the Benefit Calculator
• Update your direct deposit info to avoid cheque delays
• If you already get provincial rental aid like RAP or SAFER, you may receive the payment automatically
• Visit a CVITP tax clinic if you need help filing or applying

Maria’s Story

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 apartment. After learning about the housing boost:

• She logged into CRA My Account
• Uploaded her lease and 2023 tax info
• Was approved within a week

Six days later, $498 hit her bank account. She used it to pay overdue utility bills and stock up on groceries.

Not Sure If You Qualify?

Don’t guess—check. You can:

• Use the CRA eligibility checker in My Account
• Call CRA directly
• Visit a local tax clinic or community help center
• Apply anyway—it’s better to try and be denied than miss out

This benefit is designed to help Canadians like you. If you’ve been hit hard by rising rent, don’t leave free money on the table.

FAQs