time student status), and households will no longer be required to report an increase in income before their next annual review.
- All household members in full-time studies will now have their income exempt from the rent calculation, removing the existing conditions attached to this exemption.
- For household members who work, the new system will continue to exempt $75 or $150 per month of family unit employment income (depending on family size) but simplify the criteria to determine the amount.
- Minimum rent will be increased and indexed with the province's annual rent increase guideline, subject to phase-in for existing tenants paying less than indexed minimum rent.
- Household members whose income is to be included in the rent calculation will be required to file their income tax returns annually as a condition of continued eligibility, subject to Service Manager discretion in extenuating circumstances.
- The length of time that RGt households can pay market rent before losing eligibility for assistance will be extended from 12 to 24 consecutive months.
- Consequential changes are also being made to align (where appropriate) the portable housing benefit rules with the new RGI calculation rules. What is not changing?
What is not Changing?
No changes will be made to certain aspects of the ROI calculation and related processes. Examples where changes will not be made include:
Most definitions in the regulations including the definitions for a "family unit” and "benefit unit”.
Utility-scale and rent scale tables.
a Most eligibility rules and rules for local rules.
How would geared-to-income rent be calculated?
Rent for a family unit would be calculated by taking 30 per cent of annual adjusted family net income (AFNi) divided by 12 months. That rent is adjusted for utilities, services and heating and is subject to minimum rent.
Before applying the 30 per cent, monthly adjusted family net income is reduced by an employment-related earnings deduction of either $75 or $150 per month, depending on the size of the family unit.
Rent for a social assistance benefit unit would generally be calculated using the prescribed "rent scales".