Apply for a survivors of gender-based violence housing benefit
The Survivors of Gender-based Violence Benefit helps survivors of gender-based violence with the cost of their rent. You can apply any time.
Use the Survivors of Gender-based Violence Benefit Application to apply for help with the cost of your rent.
The Survivors of Gender-based Violence Benefit provides individuals and families that have or are planning to leave their home due to acts of gender-based violence with a monthly benefit to help pay their rent.
You get the survivors of gender-based violence benefit for up to 2 years (you need to meet additional eligibility criteria to get the supplement for the second year). After 2 years, you can apply for the Canada-Nova Scotia Targeted Housing Benefit for renters.
Who the benefit goes to
You get the monthly housing benefit deposited directly in your bank account unless you ask for the benefit to go directly to your landlord, trustee or power of attorney. If you get the benefit directly, your landlord doesn’t know you’re getting the housing benefit.
Housing benefit calculation
In the first year, the amount you get each month for the housing benefit is calculated based on the number of bedrooms within your rental unit.
| Number of bedrooms | Monthly housing benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | $900 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,100 |
| 3 or more bedrooms | $1,400 |
In the second year, the amount you get each month for the housing benefit is calculated based on:
- how many adults and dependents are in your household
- total household income and type of income
- your actual rent paid (up to maximum of 10% above the average market rent for the location of your rental unit)
- number of bedrooms within your rental unit
Housing benefit payments
If your housing benefit payment is direct deposited, you receive your payment on the housing benefit payment dates. If you receive the housing benefit by cheque, it may take longer to arrive.
| Month | Payment date |
|---|---|
| July 2024 | 27 June 2024 |
| August 2024 | 30 July 2024 |
| September 2024 | 29 August 2024 |
| October 2024 | 26 September 2024 |
| November 2024 | 30 October 2024 |
| December 2024 | 28 November 2024 |
| January 2025 | 30 December 2024 |
| February 2025 | 30 January 2025 |
Changes to personal information
You need to notify the program within 30 days if there are any changes to your personal information (like change of address, you’re no longer renting or change to your household members). The amount you get for your housing benefit might change if you move to an area with a different average market rent or if you have more members or fewer members in your household.
Eviction
If you’re evicted, you need to notify the program right away. The program gives you 60 days to find a new rental unit. During this time, the program pauses your housing benefit. If you find a unit within 60 days, the benefit resumes. If you don’t find a unit, your benefit stops. You can apply for the benefit again once you’re in a new rental unit.
Stop getting the housing benefit
Contact the program if you don’t want to receive the benefit anymore. The program can cancel your housing benefit if:
- you move out of the province
- your income increases or the members of your household changes making you no longer eligible during the annual renewal process
- you have committed or tried to commit fraud against the government
Eligibility
You can apply for the housing benefit if you have or are planning to leave your home due to acts of gender-based violence.
To qualify for the the first year of the housing benefit, you need to meet all of the following criteria:
- you have or are planning to leave your home due to a situation that has put you at risk
- you have the support of a transition house or referral agency
- you’re a resident of Nova Scotia, Canadian citizen or permanent resident and are living in the province
- you’re renting a self-contained housing unit or a room in a rooming house (excluding public housing)
- you or any member of your household isn’t already receiving a rent supplement
- you don’t owe money to the Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing or the Nova Scotia Provincial Housing Agency (if you owe money, you can pay the full amount or setup a repayment plan)
To qualify for the second year of the rent supplement, you need to:
- spend more than 30% of your pre-tax (gross) household income on the average market rent in your area (not the rent that you pay); the department determines the average market rent in your area during the application process
- provide proof of income
- provide proof your rent is paid (for example, have a rent increase letter or receipt)
- have an annual pre-tax (gross) household income below the current household income limits (PDF) for average market rent in your area
How to apply
- Review detailed program criteria in the Survivors of Gender-based Violence Benefit Guide.
- Complete the application form.
- Check the application for details on all required supporting documents.
- Have an approved referral agency complete the Referral Agency Attestation Form.
- Send your completed application and supporting documents by email.
- A caseworker reviews your application to confirm your eligibility.
How long it takes
It should take 2 weeks for the Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing to review your application and let you know if your application is approved. It can take longer if more information is needed or if your application hasn’t been filled in correctly.
Cost
There is no cost to apply.
Before you start
Make sure you:
- have the Social Insurance Number for everyone in your household
- name and phone number of your landlord
- have a copy of your lease
- have a referral agency available to complete the Referral Agency Attestation Form (review the Survivors of Gender-based Violence Benefit Guide for details on referral agencies)
- complete the Authorization for Electronic Funds Transfer Form (PDF) to receive your supplement electronically