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Source verified August 13, 2026
Canada-Nova Scotia Targeted Housing Benefit
Monthly rent support for eligible Nova Scotia renters
Latest source updateLast Update: August 13, 2026Latest change: The renter guide and application materials now add new eligibility and document requirements, and the online application guidance was clarified.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: August 13, 2026
Latest change: The renter guide and application materials now add new eligibility and document requirements, and the online application guidance was clarified.
Targeted Housing Benefit requirements updated
The Canada Nova Scotia Targeted Housing Benefit renter guide now adds a new eligibility rule requiring at least one household member to have an eligible income source for assessment and supplement calculation, and the income-limit appendix values were updated across multiple regions. The guide and renter application also changed the supporting-document and filing instructions, including a new requirement for Income Assistance/Disability Support applicants to attach both a current budget sheet and Notice of Assessment, plus clarified guidance that email applicants may use the online application while paper is for those without email.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Nova Scotia, Canada
Overview
This program provides a monthly rent supplement to help eligible Nova Scotia renters afford housing. It supports market-rate rental costs for qualifying applicants, including approved rental situations and households at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Enhance an existing program
- Strengthen organizational capacity
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Nova Scotia
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Persons with Disabilities
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Canadians
- Youth (<40)
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Documents Needed
- Documents to verify your income
- Proof of rental
- Verification of custody, if applicable
- Proof of enrollment, if applicable
- Banking information: Signed Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) form or a void cheque
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents of Canada
- Ukrainian citizens in Canada under the Canada-Ukraine Emergency Travel Authorization
- Individuals or families at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness and being assisted by a housing support organization
- Only 1 person per household can apply
Who is not eligible
- People living in public housing
- Households already receiving another rent supplement
- People renting from a family member in the same building
- Homeowners or people with a legal right to live in a home
Eligible expenses
- Monthly rent supplement for rental housing costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Units sublet from another individual
- Rooms rented from an owner who also lives in the home
- Rooming houses that provide meals
- Private assisted living, nursing homes, university residences, or similar
Eligible geographic areas
- Nova Scotia
Selection criteria
- Household rent burden relative to income
- Household income level and size
- Rental unit eligibility and documentation
- Priority may be given to applicants at risk of or experiencing homelessness with housing support
How to apply
- Review detailed program and eligibility criteria in the Canada-Nova Scotia Targeted Housing Benefit Renter Guide.
- Apply online for the funding and create an account or sign in.
- Check the application for details on all required supporting documents.
- Submit your completed application and supporting documents.
- If you are unable to apply online, use the Canada-Nova Scotia Targeted Housing Benefit (CNSTHB) Application - Renters (PDF 568 kB) and send your completed application and supporting documents by mail or email.
- Keep a copy of your application for your records.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by the Department of Growth and Development
- Decision is usually given within 2 to 3 months
- More information may be requested if details are missing or unclear
- Applicants are notified whether approved or not and of next steps
Additional information
- Applications are accepted year-round, subject to available funding.
- The benefit is portable within Nova Scotia if eligibility continues.
- Annual renewal is required to keep receiving support.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Canada-Nova Scotia Targeted Housing Benefit Program
What is the Canada-Nova Scotia Targeted Housing Benefit?
This program provides a monthly rent supplement to help eligible Nova Scotia renters afford housing. It supports market-rate rental costs for qualifying applicants, including approved rental situations and households at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
Who is eligible for the Canada-Nova Scotia Targeted Housing Benefit program?
To be eligible for the Canada-Nova Scotia Targeted Housing Benefit program, you must:
Lives in Nova Scotia
Meets residency status rules
Rents an eligible unit
Who can I contact for more information about the Canada-Nova Scotia Targeted Housing Benefit?
You can contact Government of Nova Scotia by email at housingsupplements@novascotia.ca or by phone at 1-833-424-7711.
Where is the Canada-Nova Scotia Targeted Housing Benefit available?
The Canada-Nova Scotia Targeted Housing Benefit program is available the province of Nova Scotia.
Is the Canada-Nova Scotia Targeted Housing Benefit a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Canada-Nova Scotia Targeted Housing Benefit is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Canada-Nova Scotia Targeted Housing Benefit?
Canada-Nova Scotia Targeted Housing Benefit is funded by Government of Nova Scotia