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Maximizing Your Housing Benefits: Understanding the Shelter Allowance Program in Québec

  • Writer: Hibaq A
    Hibaq A
  • Dec 24, 2025
  • 2 min read

Finding affordable housing can be a challenge, especially when a large part of your income goes toward rent or mortgage payments. The Shelter Allowance Program in Québec offers financial support to help ease this burden for low-income individuals and families. Knowing how this program works and how to apply can make a real difference in your monthly budget.


What Is the Shelter Allowance Program?


The Shelter Allowance Program is a government initiative managed by Revenu Québec. It provides monthly financial assistance to eligible households that spend a significant portion of their income on housing costs. This program is designed to support homeowners, tenants, and boarders who meet income requirements and other criteria.


For the benefit year from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026, households can receive up to $170 per month. This amount helps reduce the financial pressure of housing expenses, making it easier to cover other essential needs.


Who Can Apply?


The program is open to a wide range of applicants:


  • Homeowners who have a low income and high housing costs

  • Tenants renting apartments or houses

  • Boarders who pay for room and board


To qualify, applicants must demonstrate that their income falls below certain thresholds and that they spend a large share of their income on housing. The program aims to target those who need the most support.


How to Apply Online


Applying for the Shelter Allowance Program has become more accessible with the online application through My Account for individuals on the Revenu Québec website. This digital process speeds up application review and approval.


When you apply online, you can:


  • Submit your application quickly and securely

  • Track the status of your application in real time

  • View payment amounts and scheduled payment dates

  • Access official notices of determination


Using direct deposit is encouraged because it allows you to receive payments faster than by cheque, reducing delays and making funds available sooner.


Funding and Program Management


The program is funded jointly by the Société d’habitation du Québec (SHQ) and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). Revenu Québec manages the program, handles applications, and provides information to applicants.


This partnership ensures that the program has the resources to support eligible households and that the process remains efficient and transparent.


Tips to Maximize Your Benefits


  • Apply early: Submit your application as soon as the benefit year opens to avoid delays.

  • Keep your information updated: Report any changes in income or housing situation promptly to maintain eligibility.

  • Use online tools: Regularly check your My Account for updates and payment details.

  • Consider direct deposit: It’s faster and more secure than receiving cheques by mail.


Want a bigger-picture overview?

This article focuses on one topic. My free e-books bring together a wide range of disability-related and financial support resources available to Canadians into organized, easy-to-navigate guides. They’re designed to help you understand different types of programs, benefits, and supports, how they generally work, and where to find more information — all in one place.



 
 
 

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