What is Core Housing Need?
Core Housing Need is a criteria for both the long-term Rent Assistance Benefit and the Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit.
A household is in core housing need if:
- Suitable accommodation costs more than 30% of the household’s total income on rent, and
- The household has a total annual income below the income threshold for a given municipality.
- The annual household income thresholds are set by the province. the current thresholds are in the table below and apply to both Rent Assistance programs.
Current Income Thresholds
| 1 Adult | 2 Adults | 1 or 2 adults & up to 2 dependents | 1 or 2 adults & up to 3 dependents | 1 or 2 adults & 4 or more dependents | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Annual Household Income - Fort Saskatchewan & Strathcona County | $46,000 | $54,000 | $66,000 | $76,000 | $84,000 |
| Maximum Annual Household Income - Beaver County | $32,500 | $44,500 | $52,000 | $55,500 | $68,500 |