The Department of Family Services issued an Aug. 27 public notice reminding private-market renters about the Canada-Nunavut Housing Benefit. The notice says eligible renters must live in Nunavut, rent a private-market unit and pay more than 24% of their monthly household income in rent. It says renters may also be eligible for moving and resetting costs. Source↗

The benefit is intended to provide temporary rent support for people in vulnerable or crisis situations, including people leaving shelters and youth leaving care. The Government of Nunavut’s program page says it covers the difference between 24% of household income and market rent while a household works toward a more permanent housing option. Source↗

People seeking information can contact the Department of Family Services at 1-867-975-5261, by email at CHB@gov.nu.ca, or through their local housing office. The department’s program page says the benefit is referral-based and identifies social workers, Income Assistance staff, shelters and the Nunavut Housing Corporation as possible referral partners. Source↗

This is a reminder about an existing program, not a newly approved benefit or a general rent subsidy for all tenants. The Aug. 27 notice does not state benefit amounts, a funding cap, an application deadline or how many households can be supported. Its eligibility rules exclude residents receiving another housing subsidy, including public, staff or student housing. The program page says it is scheduled to run from 2021 to 2028. Source↗