How To Apply for Senior Housing in Ontario in 2024

Seniors who need affordable housing in Ontario can access various housing options dedicated to low-income seniors. 

Currently, the province has four primary housing programs: Rent-Geared-To-Income Housing, Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative, Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit, and Co-operative Housing.

This post covers these four housing options in detail, including their eligibility requirements and application processes. 

Housing Options for Low-Income Seniors in Ontario 

Here are the various housing options for low-income seniors in Ontario. 

Rent-Geared-to-Income Housing

Seniors living in Ontario may be eligible to apply for rent-geared-to-income housing provided by local municipalities.

Since each municipality sets its own housing regulations, varying eligibility criteria may exist.

However, the common criteria for housing programs that apply to most, if not all, municipalities in Ontario include the following: 

• The household income of applicants must be within allowable limits.
• Seniors must be able to live independently independently or with support services.
• For seniors-designated housing buildings, one of the tenants in each unit must meet the minimum age requirement. For Toronto, it’s 59 years old.

If you qualify for one of the rent-geared-to-income housing options, you’ll typically need to pay anywhere from 25% to 30% of your income for rent.

Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative (OPHI)

The Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative (OPHI) provides flexible funding options to improve the province’s housing landscape. 

For seniors in Ontario, OPHI offers Ontario Renovates. It’s a housing program that provides forgivable loans to low to moderate-income homeowners who need to make home repairs to bring their units up to acceptable standards or improve the accessibility of their homes.

OPHI also offers rental assistance components that provide low-income individuals and families with housing allowances and/or rent supplements to ease the financial burden of paying rent.

Those interested in the rental assistance components of OPHI are encouraged to contact their local service managers. 

Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit

The Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit (COHB) is a funding program that was initiated by the province of Ontario in 2020.

To help seniors pay their rent, this program provides direct, monthly financial assistance to eligible recipients. The benefit amounts vary depending on the senior’s household income, family size, and the total average monthly rent in their area. 

Seniors interested in applying for this program are recommended to contact their local service managers. 

Note: Households who receive COHB cannot simultaneously receive other housing benefits, including rent-geared-to-income housing. So, by receiving COHB benefits, you’d be agreeing to remove yourself from the social housing waiting list. 

Co-operative Housing

Seniors have the option to be co-operative housing residents, where each tenant can vote on how their community is run, even without owning equity in their homes. 

Co-operatives were initially developed under government social housing programs for low to moderate-income families. 

As of date, they remain non-profit and are never resold, making them some of the most affordable housing options for seniors and other individuals who may struggle to afford regularly-priced rental units. 

Related: Subsidized Government Housing in Canada

How Do You Qualify for Low-Income Senior Housing? 

The eligibility requirements of low-income senior housing programs vary between specific programs and, in some cases, different municipalities. 

However, you can often expect these programs to set specific household income thresholds and age criteria when providing their housing services.

The best way to determine eligibility requirements for specific programs, though, is to contact your local service manager directly. They’re the best individuals for the job if you need help accessing housing programs in your district or municipality. 

How To Apply for Senior Housing in Ontario

The application process for senior housing in Ontario varies between programs and municipalities. 

If you’re interested in these options, the provincial government recommends contacting your local service managers online or in person. You can then ask for the specific details of the application process and whether you’re eligible. 

FAQs 

Does the government pay for retirement homes in Ontario? 

No, the government doesn’t pay for retirement homes in Ontario. These facilities are privately owned, and the services and costs they offer vary. 

How much does a senior home cost in Ontario? 

The cost of senior homes in Ontario widely varies depending on whether you’re residing privately or if you’re in government-funded housing units. Privately owned retirement homes typically cost thousands of dollars per month. But, Ontario’s rent-geared-to-income units typically cost several hundreds of dollars, or even cheaper, every month. 

Does OHIP cover home care for seniors? 

Yes, OHIP can cover home care for eligible seniors. Community care services such as therapy services and personal support may also be covered. 

Is there a rent subsidy for seniors in Ontario? 

Yes, there are rent subsidy programs for seniors in Ontario. There are multiple municipality and provincial programs that assist seniors in accessing affordable housing.

Related: Retirement Hobbies That Can Make You Extra Cash