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Affordable housing programs

Housing options for Albertans with low income, including families, seniors, and individuals with special needs.

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Affordable housing and rent assistance

Local housing providers are responsible for managing programs, setting rates, and selecting tenants on behalf of the government.

Overview

The Government of Alberta subsidizes housing to ensure Albertans have housing options they can afford that meet their needs. See below for the 4 types of provincially-subsidized housing.

Government also provides a monthly benefit to Albertans with low income to subsidize their rent. To learn about eligibility and how to apply, see Rent assistance.

Eligibility

To qualify for provincial affordable housing programs, applicants must:

  • have an income below local income limits as determined by the market for that community. Check the income thresholds document to see if your income qualifies
  • be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, refugee, applicant of refugee or immigrant status; or landed immigrant for whom private sponsorship has broken down
  • evacuees from Ukraine with Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel are eligible to apply

If you are a Ukrainian in need of housing, or an Albertan with an offer of accommodation, visit Ukrainians in Alberta or email [email protected]

Note: Some housing providers may have additional eligibility criteria.

Priority

Eligible applicants are given priority based on need. Need is determined by a number of factors including, but not limited to:

  • income
  • assets
  • number of dependants
  • current housing condition

Types of affordable housing

  • Community Housing

    The Community Housing program subsidizes rental housing for families, seniors and individuals with low income who cannot afford other housing options due to individual circumstances.

    A tenant’s rent, which includes heat, water and sewer expenses, is based on 30% of a household total annual income (non-senior household).

    Rent does not include electricity, phone, TV, and any additional services such as parking.

  • Seniors apartments

    The Seniors Self-contained Housing program provides apartment-style housing to seniors who are able to live independently.

    Applicants must be 65 years of age or older. In addition, applicants must be functionally independent, with or without the assistance of community-based services.

    A tenant’s rent, which includes heat, water and sewer expenses, is based on 30% of a households adjusted income. Rent does not include electricity, phone, TV and any additional services such as parking.

  • Seniors Lodge

    The Seniors Lodge program provides rooms, meals, housekeeping services and recreational opportunities for independent seniors. Community based services may help offer these amenities and opportunities.

    A seniors lodge may be appropriate for those who do not require care in a specialized health care facility.

    Applicants must be 65 years of age or older. Exceptions may be made for applicants with special circumstances. In addition, applicants must be functionally independent, with or without the assistance of community-based services.

    Each local housing provider sets their own lodge rates and these rates vary between regions. Regardless of the monthly lodge rate, each resident must be left with at least $357 in monthly disposable income.

  • Special Needs Housing

    Special Needs Housing options are available for individuals who have special housing needs, including:

    • people with developmental disabilities
    • people with physical challenges
    • victims of family violence
    • wards of the provincial government
    • the hard-to-house
    • any other group with special housing needs

    Special Needs Housing options may include support services for residents.

How to apply

To apply for affordable housing:

Step 1. Answer a few questions

Use the Find Housing tool to see which housing options are available to meet your needs.

Find Housing

Step 2. Select a housing provider

Look through the available options that are displayed in the Find Housing tool after you answer the questions, and choose a local housing provider that offers a housing program that suits your situation.

Step 3. Get an application

Contact the housing provider for an application for affordable housing. You will find contact information for providers at the end of the Find Housing tool.

Contact

Connect with us if you have questions about rent assistance and affordable housing:

Alberta Supports Contact Centre
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:15 am to 4:30 pm
Phone: 1-877-644-9992 (toll-free)
Phone: 780-644-9992 (Edmonton)

Back to Get rent assistance

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