Description

Rent Assist provides EIA recipients with benefits to help with shelter and utility costs.

Benefit Amount

• Covers up to 80% of Median Market Rent, minus 30% of your net income—ensuring rent remains affordable
• Payments are made monthly via direct deposit or cheque; EIA recipients get it automatically with their regular benefit
• Retroactive “back‑pay” to your application date once approved

Eligibility Criteria

• Citizen or Permanent Resident, ≥18 years old
• Renting unsubsidized private housing
• Net annual income below thresholds:
  • Single: <$28,096 (or <$32,432 if ≥55 or on DTC/CPPD)
  • Two persons: <$36,768;
  • Three/Four: <$47,392;
  • Five+: <$58,400
• Filed rent on income tax
• Not currently receiving other housing subsidies, living on‑reserve, in care homes, student housing, or rented from Manitoba Housing

Application Process

Non‑EIA Applicants:

• Download the RentAssist form or call 204‑948‑7368 (Winnipeg) or 1‑877‑587‑6224 (toll‑free)
• Submit completed form by mail or in person.
• Include last year’s net income (from taxes); if applying Jan–Jun, use income from two years prior; if Jul–Dec, use last year’s
• Provide a signed lease or rental agreement (landlord signature not required unless you opt for direct deposit to landlord)

EIA Applicants:

• Just apply for EIA (204‑948‑4000 Winnipeg / 1‑800‑855‑0511 toll‑free); Rent Assist is assessed automatically

Processing Time: Typically 4–6 weeks, but can stretch to 2–3 months depending on demand. Payments are retroactive to your application date.

Appeal Process

• Issues related to denial, amount, cancellation or eligibility can be appealed through the Social Services Appeal Board (SSAB)
• File a Notice of Appeal in writing (form or letter, signed, within 30 days of decision). A hearing will be scheduled within 30 days after intake
• Appeals may also be initiated through the Fair Practices Office (for process fairness inquiries) or escalated to the Administrative Review Committee (ARC) if housing policy violations are involved
• Reddit users note the appeal can address calculation errors—but won’t succeed if they did everything correctly per income thresholds