Housing Supports

The Housing Stability Program (HSP) helps households that can generally meet their ongoing housing expenses but, due to unforeseen circumstances, need short-term financial assistance to maintain or secure affordable housing.

HSP assistance may be available for rental arrears, utility arrears, last month's rent, and moving costs where the assistance will help maintain or improve housing stability.

You may only access HSP assistance once in a three-year period for the benefit type approved. For example, if you received assistance for Last Month's Rent within the passed 3 years, you may still be eligible to receive assistance for Rental Arrears or Utility Arrears within that period.

The program is available to residents of Durham Region or those moving to or within Durham Region where the move will improve affordability and the municipality they are leaving does not provide similar assistance. Moving outside of Durham Region is not eligible for assistance.

To be eligible, you must receive Ontario Works (OW), Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), or have a household income that falls within the program limits. You must also demonstrate that you do not have the ability to address the housing need using your current income or available assets. Applications may be denied where housing costs are not affordable or sustainable based on household income.

Maximum annual net household income limits:

• 1 person: less than $50,000
• 2 people: less than $58,000
• 3 people: less than $65,000
• 4 people: less than $68,000
• 5 people: less than $72,000
• 6 people: less than $75,000
• 7 or more people: less than $78,000

 Maximum rental arrears assistance:

• One-bedroom unit: up to $3,000
• Two-bedroom unit: up to $3,500
• Three-bedroom unit: up to $3,800
• Four or more bedrooms: up to $4,000

You will be required to provide verification of your identity, income, assets, housing costs, and other information needed to assess your application.

Please note: All required supporting documents must be uploaded before an application can be submitted. You may save your application and return to it at any time. Your application will remain saved until it is submitted.

If you need assistance completing an application, please dial 311 within Durham Region and ask to speak with a Customer Service Specialist.

Consent forms will be signed to store information in Regional and Federal databases. For recipients of OW or ODSP, HSP staff will obtain consent to connect with your OW or ODSP caseworker. Consent will also be obtained to connect with and verify information with your landlord or utility provider. Receipts may be requested to verify moving costs.

Applications are accepted online through the link below, or you can contact the Housing Stability Program at 905-668-4113 ext. 3474.

If you meet the criteria above and would like to continue with your application or learn more about the program, click here to open the application.

HSP approvals are subject to funding availability.

If your application is denied, you may request an appeal using the required Request for Appeal form. Appeal requests must be received within five business days of receiving the decision, and sent to housingstabilityprogram@durham.ca.

HIFIS Consent

Intent to Rent or Rental Information Form