A $12.5-million annual investment from the Governments of Canada and British Columbia will enhance the existing provincial Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) program and Rental Assistance Program (RAP), providing greater benefits to low-income seniors and family households renting in the private market.

“Our government is committed to working with British Columbia to develop and implement local solutions to housing,” said the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors). “These new investments are especially helping seniors access safe and affordable housing that meets their needs.”

“Rental assistance programs give low-income households more options. They are flexible, giving families and seniors the choice of where they want to live and the cash assistance helps with housing costs,” said Rich Coleman, Deputy Premier and Minister Responsible for Housing. “The provincial government helped 26,700 households last year with the RAP and SAFER programs, and we hope to assist even more with these changes.”

Effective April 1, 2014, the maximum amount of rent used to calculate benefits for both programs was increased. The change to the monthly payment will vary. On average, families will see an extra $40 per month; the average increase for seniors will be about $34 per month. Both are non-taxable benefits. In addition, for SAFER, the minimum monthly benefit will increase to $25, up from $1 and the income eligibility level will rise by approximately 9% throughout the province.

Funding for the program enhancements, totalling $62.5 million over five years, will be provided through the Canada-BC Investment in Affordable Housing (IAH) Agreement 2014-2019. Signed in March 2014 by both governments, the IAH provides an equally shared, combined investment of $300 million to support and enhance existing programs and for new construction or renovations.

Since 2001, the Government of B.C. has invested $3.6 billion to provide affordable housing for low-income individuals, seniors and families. This year, more than 98,000 B.C. households will benefit from provincial social housing programs and services.

To find out more about affordable housing or rental assistance programs in British Columbia, visit: www.bchousing.org

The Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), has invested more than $16.5 billion in housing since 2006. For B.C., this represents an investment of some $1.8 billion. By working with its partners, the federal government has helped some 880,000 Canadians individuals and families including low-income seniors, persons with disabilities, recent immigrants and Aboriginal people.

The Government of Canada will ensure that funds provided to provinces and territories support the use of apprentices, which will support training of skilled labour. To find out more about how the Government of Canada is working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1 800 668-2642 or visit: www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/affordablehousing

Media Contacts:

Elaine McKay
BC Housing
778 452-6476

Lauren Brent
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of State
(Social Development)
819 953-2352

Andrea Scott
CMHC Communications
604 737-4064
Follow CMHC on Twitter @CMHC_ca

BACKGROUNDER

Rental assistance program benefits increased

Low-income seniors and families in private market housing will receive more money each month with the enhancements announced to the Rental Assistance Program (RAP) and Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) program.

Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER)

SAFER provides direct cash assistance to eligible residents of British Columbia who are age 60 or over and pay over 30 percent of their gross monthly household income towards rent up to a maximum rent ceiling. More than 16,700 senior households receive assistance through SAFER. The average monthly payment is currently $160.

Rent Ceiling Increases effective April 1, 2014

• Singles: Metro Vancouver: $765 (up from $700); all other areas of B.C.: $667 (up from $610)
• Couples: Metro Vancouver: $825 (up from $755); all other areas of B.C.: $727 (up from $665)

Rental Assistance Program (RAP)

Introduced in 2006, RAP provides eligible working families earning up to $35,000 a year, direct rent subsidies ranging from $50 to $765 per month up to a maximum rent ceiling depending on the size of their family and location. Currently more than 10,000 families receive assistance. On average, eligible RAP families receive about $379 a month.

Rent Ceiling Increases effective April 1, 2014

• Families of 3 or less: Metro Vancouver: $1,055 (up from $975); all other areas of B.C.: $970 (up from $900)
• Families of 4 or more: Metro Vancouver: $1,190 (up from $1,100); all other areas of B.C.: $1,015 (up from $940)

For more information on RAP and SAFER, visit: www.bchousing.org/Options/Rental_market

Media Contacts:

Elaine McKay
BC Housing
778 452-6476

Lauren Brent
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of State
(Social Development)
819 953-2352

Andrea Scott
CMHC Communications
604 737-4064
Follow CMHC on Twitter @CMHC_ca