alberta is asking federal government to adjust the income requirement for their one-time Rent Top Up benefit, saying the current limit makes tens of thousands of Albertans ineligible.
government of canada applications open from monday for a one-time payment of $500 as part of canada housing benefit (CHB) program – to help low income renters Because rent rates go up across the country.
To qualify, rental households must have a net income of less than $35,000 per year, or individuals living in the rental must earn less than $20,000, according to a government statement. Website.
To be eligible for the $500 benefit, applicants must spend at least 30 percent of their adjusted net income on shelter.
Albertans receiving disability benefits to miss out on Fed rent top up: AISH client
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Global News heard from several individuals receiving Assured Income for Severely Disabled (AISH) support, saying they received a little over $20,000 a year, so they were denied this federal benefit. However, they all said they pay more than 30 percent of their income on rent – with one person saying they spend 73 percent of their monthly income on shelter.
On Wednesday, Alberta’s minister of seniors, community and social services sent a letter to the federal minister of families, children and social development and the federal minister of employment, workforce development and disability inclusion, asking them to adjust the criteria.
Jeremy Nixon wrote, “Assured Income for the Severely Disabled (AISH) currently provides $1,685 per month, which will soon be extended through January 1, 2023.”
“Alberta has one of the highest disability payments in Canada, but it appears the federal government believes it is too high.
“For the tens of thousands of Albertans on AISH, they are getting $20,220, making them ineligible for benefits,” he said. “We take this opportunity to ask the Government of Canada to increase the limit to $20,000 to allow people with disabilities access to this benefit.
“This inflationary crisis is hurting millions of Albertans, and they need help. It is important that people with disabilities are not left out.”
Global News first reached out to the federal government for comment and the Office of the Federal Minister for Housing and Diversity and Inclusion and the CMHC provided a joint response.
“This measure is a top-up to the already existing CHB, which includes the Canada-Alberta Housing Benefit. This federally-led and federally funded program is administered directly to Albertans in need of rental assistance Low income is determined through criteria available on Alberta’s website.
The statement stressed that the measures are not standalone programs and that the federal government will continue to add support through the National Housing Strategy.
“These programs are helping to support the most vulnerable communities, including individuals with disabilities, in Alberta and across Canada. Many of these housing initiatives through the NHS include important and mandatory access criteria to ensure that this country Inclusive wrap-around support is provided for those facing severe barriers to
“The Government of Canada has also reintroduced framework legislation to create the historic Canada Disability Benefit, an income supplement for Canadians of working age with disabilities.
“The Government of Canada will continue to work with those who express significant concerns to ensure that our programs are best tailored to meet the needs of Albertans and Canadians.”
Caleigh Kaufman, 60, was one of the Albertans on AISH who applied for $500 on Monday and had her application denied.
“If (the people at AISH) knew about this one-time top up – $500! – and then they found out they were over $300? Now they know what a sucker punch feels like,” she said. .
“All severely and permanently disabled Albertans who rely solely on AISH must have the same net annual income as I do … This means that all permanently and severely disabled Albertans, citizens The one time fare top-up of $500 was refused.
“I am not saying that this is a case of direct discrimination; I’m saying it’s a gross oversight,” Kaufman said. “I don’t think they’ve done their homework.”
She said people on fixed incomes often have to choose between shelter and food or paying rent and buying medicine.
“That $500, if it came to me today, would go to pay down debt to bridge the shortfall and meet basic needs.”
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