Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit

The Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit (COHB) helps by increasing the affordability of rental housing by providing an income-tested, Portable Housing Benefit (PHB). The benefit is portable, meaning it moves with you anywhere in Ontario. It provides a financial benefit directly to eligible households who need housing help. The COHB benefit pays the difference between 30% of your adjusted Family Net Income and 80% of the Average Market Rent (AMR) for your unit size.

Who is eligible

You may qualify if:

• You have a unit located within the City of Cornwall or the United Counties of SDG.
• You reside permanently in Ontario, and are one of the following:

  • A Canadian Citizen\

  • A permanent resident, or someone who has applied for permanent resident status under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act

  • A person who has made a refugee claim under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and does not have an enforceable removal order

Requirements:

• You are on, or eligible to be on, the social housing waitlist, or you currently live in community housing.

• Your Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI) does not exceed Ministry‑set limits (based on line 23600 of your most recent Notice of Assessment).

• Your monthly rent is below the allowable limits for your unit size (based on Average Market Rents for Cornwall & SDG).

• Your household liquid assets (cash, bank accounts, investments that can be easily converted to cash) are under $50,000 (single) or $75,000 (family).

• You are not receiving RGI, another COHB benefit, or another government‑funded housing benefit (except social assistance shelter).

• No household member owns a home suitable for year‑round occupancy (or agrees to divest within 90 days of eligibility).

• You consent to being removed from the social housing waiting list where the application was completed and approved.

Average Market Rent (AMR) 2025-2026:

• 1 Bedroom $ 919

• 2+ Bedroom $ 1,139

Apply for the COHB

To apply for the COHB, please email us your completed application. Please submit all documents with your application for each household member:

• Identification such as driver’s licence or passport

• Proof of Canadian status (passport, birth certificate, or immigration documents)

• Social Insurance Number (SIN)

• Notice of Assessment from Canada Revenue Agency (most recent taxation year)

• Bank statements (2 months) for all bank accounts

• Proof of income (2 months) (e.g., paystubs)

• Rental agreement and void cheque/direct deposit form

You can also submit your application in person to:

• 340 Pitt St

• Fourth Floor

• Cornwall ON K6J 3P9

Once reviewed, you will be contacted regarding next steps. Funding is limited and applications are processed first‑come, first‑served. Only complete applications with all required documentation will be accepted.