Manitoba Rent Assistance Calculator

Manitoba Rent Assistance Estimator

Complete guide to estimating your Rent Assist benefits in Manitoba

Two Ways to Receive Rent Assistance

Rent Assist is available to two different groups of Manitobans who may need help with housing costs:

Income Eligibility Thresholds (Non-EIA Applicants)

To qualify for Rent Assist when not receiving EIA, your household's net annual income must be below the following thresholds :

Who Cannot Apply for Non-EIA Rent Support

You may not be eligible for Rent Assist if any of the following apply to your situation :

• You rent your home from Manitoba Housing
• You or the unit you live in receives any other kind of housing benefit or subsidy
• You live on a First Nations reserve
• You live in a nursing home, hospital, or residential care facility
• You live in student housing
• You own your own home
• You are in Canada on a work or study permit
• You receive Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) benefits

How Your Rent Assist Benefit is Calculated

For non-EIA applicants, Rent Assist benefits are calculated using a standard formula that ensures your rent remains affordable :

The median market rent is established by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and reflects the midpoint between the highest and lowest amount of rent that all households actually pay . This amount varies based on your household size and is indexed annually, meaning benefits increase when the cost of renting goes up .

Tax Year Used for Calculation

The tax year used to assess your eligibility depends on when you apply :

• Applications between January and June: Eligibility based on your tax return from two years prior to the current year
• Applications between July and December: Eligibility based on your tax return from one year prior to the current year

Factors That Determine Your Benefit Amount

• The number of people in your household
• Your net annual household income in the tax year used to assess eligibility
• Whether you are over 55 years of age
• Whether you qualified for the Disability Tax Credit or received Canada Pension Plan Disability benefits

How Rent Assist Benefits Are Paid

Rent Assist benefits are paid monthly by direct deposit or cheque . Once a year, your eligibility will be reassessed based on the income reported on your tax return. You must claim rent on your income taxes annually to remain eligible for the program.

Rent Assist Benefit Estimator

Use the official Manitoba government Rent Assist Estimator to calculate your potential monthly benefit:

How to Apply for Rent Assist

For Non-EIA Applicants

To apply for Rent Assist when not receiving EIA benefits :

1. Download a Rent Assist application form from the Manitoba government website
2. Or call Provincial Services to have an application form mailed to you:
   • Winnipeg: 204-948-7368
   • Toll-free: 1-877-587-6224
   • TTY: 204-948-3698
3. Submit your completed application along with required documents to:

   Provincial Services
   100 - 114 Garry Street
   Winnipeg, MB R3C 4V4

For EIA Recipients

If you apply for EIA benefits, your eligibility for Rent Assist will be automatically assessed. To apply for EIA, call 204-948-4000 in Winnipeg or 1-855-944-8111 toll-free .

Documents Needed for Your Application

When applying for Rent Assist, you will need to provide :

• Proof of your housing situation (lease or tenancy agreement)
• Proof of residency in Canada
• Income tax documents
• Social Insurance Number
• Proof of income (tax return or pay stubs)

Application Processing Times

Processing times typically take 4 to 6 weeks, but may take up to 2 to 3 months depending on the application. Payments are retroactive to the date of your application .