How to apply - One-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit
How to apply
On this page
Application deadline
If you are eligible, applications are currently open.
The last day you can apply is Friday, March 31, 2023 (11:59 pm ET).
Apply for the one-time payment
Read the Privacy Statement
Personal information (including the SIN) is collected under the authority of the Rental Housing Benefit Act and will be used to administer and enforce this act, including taking compliance activities. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will use the personal information you provide to us, as well as taxpayer information accessed from your tax file at the CRA, for the purposes of (i) administering your application, and could be used for (ii) issuing a payment to you, (iii) verifying that you meet the program's eligibility requirements, and to (iv) collect any overpayments or erroneous payments that may have been issued to you. Your personal information may also be disclosed to other federal, provincial, territorial or aboriginal government institutions to the extent authorized by law. Failure to provide information will affect our ability to process your application.
Personal information will be described in personal information bank (under development) and published on CRA's Information about Programs and Information Holdings. Under the Privacy Act, individuals have a right of protection, access to and correction or notation of their personal information and to file a complaint with the Privacy Commissioner of Canada regarding the Canada Revenue Agency’s handling of their information.
Apply through your account
Apply for the one-time payment through CRA My Account to get the payment as soon as possible. Make sure you're ready to apply.
- With your online account
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5 to 10 business days average payment processing time
Apply using your CRA My Account
You can register for CRA My Account and apply without waiting
You can register for CRA My Account and apply for the one-time payment right away, without waiting for a security code.
- Register for My Account to get limited service right away
- Apply for the one-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit
If you do not have a CRA My Account
You can sign in or register for My Service Canada Account (MSCA) to access your CRA My Account.
How to access CRA My Account from MSCA
- Sign in to your My Service Canada Account
- Select "Access CRA"
- Select "I agree" on the Registration and Authentication page to transfer directly to your CRA My Account
- Apply for the benefit in CRA My Account
If you need to create an account
Registering for MSCA may be a faster way to access CRA My Account if you do not have access to either account as no tax information is required to register.
If you can't apply through CRA My Account or My Service Canada Account
- With the online application form
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6 to 11 business days average payment processing time
If you are unable to sign in to or register for a CRA My Account or My Service Canada Account, you may still be able to apply online:
- Apply through the online application form
- By phone
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7 to 12 business days average payment processing time
Apply by phone or TTY
- Before you call
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To verify your identity, you'll need your:
- social insurance number (SIN)
- full name and date of birth
- complete address
- assessed tax return, notice of assessment or reassessment, other tax document, or be signed in to CRA My Account
If you're calling on behalf of someone else
If you are the friend or family member of someone who needs assistance applying over the phone and you are calling on their behalf, they must be present on the call to give their consent.
You will also be asked to verify your own identity when you call.
- Telephone number
- 1-800-282-8079
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Wait time: Wait times are not available --Updated: Wait times are not available -- ET
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- TTY number
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If you use a teletypewriter:
1-800-665-0354If you use an operator-assisted relay service, call:
1-800-282-8079 - Hours
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Dedicated one-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit TTY number hours (phone-2) Date Hours Monday to Friday 8 am to 8 pm (local time) Saturday 9 am to 5 pm (local time) Sunday Closed Closed on public holidays
When to expect your payment
If you can't apply through CRA My Account, it might take longer to process your application and send your payment.
Standard processing times
- Direct deposit
- Direct deposit takes up to 5 business days if you have it set up with the CRA.
- By mail
- A mailed cheque should arrive in about 10 business days.
No impact on your taxes
The payment is not taxable. This means you will not need to report the one-time payment on your income tax return.
Impacts on other benefits
The one-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit does not reduce other federal income-tested benefits such as the Canada Workers Benefit, Canada Child Benefit, Goods and Services Tax Credit, and Guaranteed Income Supplement.
Impacts on provincial or territorial benefits will be determined at the discretion of each province or territory.
- Date modified: