There is official, nationwide $1,500 housing benefit from the CRA confirmed for 2025. The last federal one-time housing top-up was $500 for low-income renters and closed in 2023.
Ongoing housing help in 2025 is delivered mainly through province/territory-run programs funded by the National Housing Strategy (with CMHC), plus a few tax credits and rebates—but not a universal $1,500 cash payment.
What housing supports actually exist in 2025?
Canada’s housing assistance is a patchwork of federal tax measures and provincial/territorial rent benefits. Key items:
- Canada Housing Benefit (CHB): portable rent assistance run by provinces/territories with CMHC funding; amounts vary by region (not a fixed $1,500).
- One-time $500 Housing Top-Up (closed): last federal renter top-up ended March 31, 2023.
- Tax credits & rebates that can lower housing costs (not cash benefits): e.g., Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit (up to $7,500), Home Accessibility Tax Credit, GST/HST New Housing Rebate, and other housing-related measures listed by the CRA.
Provincial/Territorial supports you can actually apply for
Many renters receive help via regional CHB programs (names and rules differ). Example: Nova Scotia’s Targeted Housing Benefit helps renters paying a high share of income toward rent; other provinces have comparable supplements.
Check your province/territory’s housing ministry or CMHC pages for the program in your area.
Quick reference table (2025)
| Support | What it is | Typical Amount/Status | Who runs it | Who should check it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada Housing Benefit (regional) | Ongoing rent assistance tied to income and local rents | Varies by province/territory; not a fixed $1,500 | Provinces/territories with CMHC funding | Low- to moderate-income renters needing monthly help |
| Federal $500 top-up (closed) | One-time renter payment during affordability crunch | Closed March 31, 2023 | CRA | Historical only—no applications now |
| Multigenerational Home Renovation Credit | Tax credit to add a secondary unit for a relative | Up to $7,500 (15% of $50,000) | CRA | Households creating a qualifying suite |
| Home Accessibility Tax Credit | Tax credit for accessibility renovations | Varies by eligible expenses | CRA | Seniors and persons with disabilities |
| GST/HST New Housing Rebate | Rebates part of GST/HST on new/renovated homes | Amount varies | CRA | First-time/new home purchasers |
Bottom line: If you’ve seen posts about a “CRA $1,500 housing benefit in 2025,” they don’t match federal program pages. Use the real channels above.
How to find and claim the right support
- Identify your province/territory’s CHB (rent supplement) and apply if your rent-to-income ratio is high.
- Use CRA’s housing tax credits/rebates when filing—these reduce taxes owed and free up cash flow.
- If you live in community/non-profit housing, ask your provider about NHS-linked rent assistance or stabilization supports.
There’s no CRA-run $1,500 housing payout in 2025. Real, practical support comes from provincial/territorial rent benefits funded under the National Housing Strategy, plus CRA tax credits and rebates that lower housing costs at tax time.
Focus on your region’s CHB program and eligible CRA credits to get the most tangible relief this year.
