In response to rising housing costs across Canada, the federal government has announced a temporary $600 top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit (CHB), starting July 15, 2025.
This one-time payment is designed to help low- and moderate-income renters who are struggling to manage the growing pressure of monthly rent payments. The support will be administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and directly targets individuals and families paying a high percentage of their income toward housing.
What Is the Canada Housing Benefit?
The Canada Housing Benefit (CHB) is a joint initiative between federal and provincial governments aimed at helping renters facing affordability issues.
It provides direct financial assistance to households that spend at least 30% of their net income on rent. While the regular CHB amounts vary by province, the July 2025 top-up introduces a nationwide $600 payment, offering additional relief to qualified renters across the country.
Who Qualifies for the $600 CHB Top-Up?
To be eligible for the $600 housing benefit payment in July 2025, applicants must meet specific requirements set by the CRA and provincial partners:
- Be at least 15 years old by July 1, 2025
- Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes
- Have filed a 2024 tax return
- Have a household income below the regional threshold, based on family size and province
- Have spent at least 30% of adjusted family net income on rent in 2024
This benefit complements existing provincial and territorial housing support, expanding overall coverage and targeting those in greatest need.
Key Features of the July 2025 Housing Top-Up
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Top-up Amount | $600 (one-time, non-taxable payment) |
Payment Start Date | July 15, 2025 |
Administered By | Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) |
Application Required? | Yes – via CRA My Account or by mail |
Review Period | June to July 2025 |
Income Limit | Based on province, family size, and 2024 income |
Proof Required | Rent receipts, lease agreement, and valid ID |
How to Apply for the $600 Housing Payment
Unlike some federal benefits, this $600 housing top-up requires a formal application. Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying:
- Log in to CRA My Account starting July 5, 2025
- Upload the required documents:
- Proof of rent payments from 2024 (e.g., lease, rent receipts)
- A valid government-issued ID
- Your 2024 tax return if not already processed
- Submit your application before the upcoming deadline (expected to be within 60 days of launch)
- Alternatively, you may submit a paper application, though this method may take longer to process
The CRA recommends applying online for faster approval and payment processing.
Why This Payment Matters Right Now
Rent prices in Canada’s major cities—including Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal—continue to climb, often outpacing wage growth.
Many households are now spending more than 40% of their income on housing. For these renters, the $600 CHB top-up represents critical financial relief that can help with:
- Covering overdue rent
- Reducing eviction risk
- Freeing up funds for other essentials like food or transit
- Managing back-to-school or seasonal costs
While the payment is temporary, it offers an important stopgap while the government works toward long-term affordable housing solutions.
What Makes This Top-Up Unique?
This $600 benefit is not automatically issued, which makes it different from other CRA disbursements like the GST/HST credit or Canada Child Benefit.
Applicants must proactively submit documentation proving they meet all income and rent eligibility conditions. The benefit will then be disbursed directly via bank deposit or cheque, depending on your CRA account setup.
Impact of the Housing Top-Up on Other Benefits
According to the CRA, the July 2025 CHB top-up is non-taxable and will not affect other federal or provincial assistance programs.
That means eligible individuals can receive the full $600 payment without any reduction to:
- Old Age Security (OAS)
- Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
- Employment Insurance (EI)
- Disability support or other housing subsidies
This ensures the top-up adds meaningful value to the recipient’s overall income and doesn’t reduce other support streams.
How to Prepare Before July 15
If you believe you may qualify for this benefit, take these steps before the July 15 payment rollout:
- Ensure your 2024 taxes are filed and processed
- Gather rent receipts or lease agreements from 2024
- Update your CRA My Account with the latest contact and banking info
- Check your provincial income threshold to verify eligibility
Applying early will help you avoid delays and maximize the window for benefit approval.
What This Says About Canada’s Housing Crisis
This one-time top-up signals the federal government’s growing concern over housing affordability in Canada. With no immediate solution in sight, such temporary financial relief measures are seen as necessary stopgaps for struggling renters.
While not a long-term fix, this benefit highlights the urgent need for:
- Increased affordable housing development
- Stronger rent controls
- Expanded long-term rental subsidy programs
The $600 top-up is a short-term response to a problem demanding long-term reform.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is the $600 CHB top-up automatic?
No. You must apply through CRA My Account or by mailing a paper application.
Q2. Can I apply if I’m under 18?
Yes. As long as you are 15 years or older by July 1, 2025, and meet all eligibility criteria.
Q3. What documents do I need to apply?
You’ll need:
- 2024 rent receipts or lease agreement
- Valid government-issued ID
- A filed 2024 tax return
Q4. Will this payment affect my other benefits?
No. The $600 is a non-taxable, one-time benefit and will not reduce other support payments.
Q5. When will I receive the payment?
Approved payments will begin rolling out on July 15, 2025.