Worried About Housing Costs? Here’s How to Get Help

Struggling to buy a home, pay rent or afford your mortgage is nothing to be ashamed of.

Housing costs remain one of Canadians’ biggest financial concerns. Nearly nine in ten Canadians (87%) say they’re worried about the state of housing in Canada today, including affordability and access, according to a 2025 survey by Abacus Data, conducted in partnership with the Canadian Real Estate Association. The survey found that this concern stretches across age groups and regions, reflecting widespread pressure on housing budgets.

If money is tight, help may be available. From rental assistance to government programs designed to support homeownership and income stability, here are options that can help you find — and keep — stable housing.

1. Provincial housing benefit programs

Provincial housing benefit programs provide rent subsidies to low-income renters to help cover monthly housing costs. These programs are delivered through provincial agencies in partnership with the federal government under initiatives such as the National Housing Strategy.

Some examples include:

Details, eligibility criteria and benefit amounts vary by province and the specific program.

2. Rental assistance programs

Many provinces and territories offer rental assistance programs that help eligible working families and low-income households pay part of their monthly rent.

For example, in British Columbia the Rental Assistance Program (RAP) provides monthly support to eligible working families, and Shelter Aid For Elderly Renters (SAFER) helps eligible seniors living in private market rentals with monthly rent payments.

Check with your provincial housing agency to see which rent assistance options you may qualify for where you live, as income and rent ceilings apply.

3. EI Sickness Benefits

If you can’t work due to illness or injury, Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits can provide income support for several weeks while you recover.

These benefits replace a portion of your earnings and can help with essential expenses, including rent or mortgage payments. Eligibility requirements apply and may include providing medical documentation.

Note: EI sickness benefits are part of the broader federal EI program and are designed to support Canadians facing temporary loss of income due to health reasons.

4. Local home buying assistance programs

Some municipalities and regions offer down-payment assistance or other incentives to first-time homebuyers.

These programs often take the form of forgivable loans, shared equity arrangements or other supports that reduce upfront costs. They usually have income limits, residency requirements and conditions about how long you must live in the home to retain benefits.

For example, in the Region of Waterloo you may qualify for a forgivable down-payment loan that helps with the purchase price up to certain thresholds. Program specifics vary widely by locality and funding availability.

5. First Home Savings Account (FHSA)

Saving for the steep costs of buying or building a home is a tall order, but an FHSA can speed things up a bit.

The FHSA is a federal tax-advantaged savings plan that helps first-time buyers save for a down payment. You can contribute up to $8,000 per year, to a lifetime maximum of $40,000, and contributions are tax-deductible like an RRSP, while eligible withdrawals for a qualifying home purchase are tax-free. This can help boost savings faster without a tax penalty.

FHSA funds are intended to be used to buy or build a qualifying home; unused funds may need to be transferred to an RRSP or withdrawn under specific rules.

6. Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP)

Under the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP), you can withdraw up to $60,000 from your Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) to buy or build a qualifying home.

The amount withdrawn must generally be repaid to your RRSP over a 15-year period. You can also combine an HBP withdrawal with an FHSA withdrawal for the same qualifying home purchase.

Nervous about losing your home? Here’s what to do.

If you’re worried about falling behind — or already have — acting early can make a difference. The sooner you explore your options, the more flexibility you’re likely to have.

Talk to your landlord or lender

If you’re struggling to pay rent or might miss a mortgage payment, communication is key to avoiding bigger issues like eviction or foreclosure. Some landlords and lenders may offer temporary relief options, such as payment deferrals or revised repayment schedules, depending on your situation.

You may also be able to adjust your mortgage terms — for example, by extending your amortization — to reduce your monthly payments. Ask about your options as early as possible to give yourself the best chance of finding a workable solution.

Look for local support

See what help is offered where you live and what you might qualify for. You can also use the federal government’s benefits finder tool to find assistance programs.

Check your city’s website for programs that help with utility bills and other housing-related costs.

Take proactive steps to protect yourself

Even if you’re not yet in crisis, there are ways to reduce your risk:

Taking steps early — whether reactive or preventive — can reduce stress and give you more control if circumstances change.