Introduction

The Windsor Essex Housing Benefit (WEHB) is a monthly benefit paid directly to eligible low-income households to bridge the gap between affordable rent (roughly 30 percent of income) and average market rent. Unlike other forms of housing assistance (e.g. rent- geared-to- income, rent supplement), the benefit is tied to the household and not a physical housing unit, allowing the benefit to move with the household.

The WEHB is portable within the Windsor Essex Service Area only.

Housing benefits offered under the WEHB are included under legislated service level standards and conform with the Housing Services Act (HSA) framework set out in Schedule 4.1 of O. Reg. 367/11. The framework sets out rules regarding eligibility criteria, reviews of continuing eligibility, benefit calculation and selection of recipients for the benefit.

Eligibility Criteria

Initial Eligibility

To be eligible to receive a WEHB, an applicant must:

• Be a resident in the Windsor Essex service area.

• Be at least 16 years old or older and able to live independently with or without support services

• Be a Canadian Citizen, permanent resident, applicant for permanent residency or – refugee claimant and not be subject to a removal order

• Not be receiving rent-geared-to-income (RGI), Canada Ontario Housing Benefit (COHB), a housing allowance, rent supplement or other housing benefit (excluding a social assistance shelter allowance)

• Have income within the applicable RGI income limit set out in the Local Rules Windsor Essex (or successor directives)

• Not owe arrears for rent, damages or misrepresentation of income with respect to a social housing unit in Ontario unless they have:

• entered into a repayment agreement with the housing provider

• made reasonable efforts to enter into a repayment agreement with the housing provider.

An applicant living outside the Windsor Essex service area may be approved for a