Applying for Social Housing or Portable Housing Benefits

St. Thomas‑Elgin Social Services is responsible for managing and funding subsidized housing for individuals, families, and seniors who have low to moderate incomes. This can be in the form of a rent geared to income unit, affordable housing unit, a portable housing benefit, or a rent supplement. 

To receive subsidized housing, you are required to apply and be placed on the Central Wait List through St. Thomas Elgin Social Services’ Housing Stability Services. When a suitable housing unit, portable housing benefit or rent supplement becomes available, people on the wait list are contacted.

Please note that wait times can be very long, for example 10+ years, because there are currently many more people who need subsidized housing than there are units/funding.

Eligibility

You are required to meet certain conditions to be eligible for subsidized housing:

• At least one member of your household must be 16 years of age or older and able to live independently.
• You (and anyone living with you) are a Canadian citizen, or have applied for permanent residency, or are a refugee claimant.
• There is no removal order under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act against you or anyone living with you.
• You do not owe money for rent or damages to a social housing provider, or you have an approved re-payment agreement in place.
• No one living with you has a conviction for offences related to housing assistance.
• You don’t already own a home that’s suitable for year-round living.  If you do own one, you agree to sell it within 6 months of signing a lease. Its equity counts toward your asset limit and may disqualify you from being eligible.
• Your assets are below the following:
  • Singles $50,000,
  • Couple/families/seniors $75,000

How to Apply

St. Thomas-Elgin Social Services receives all applications. There are three ways to apply:

Option 1: Online Application Portal (NEW) 

Using the Online Application Portal, you can enter and update your information, upload documents, and receive email updates. Your application will save automatically, allowing you to return to it later. A valid email address and internet access are required.

Option 2: Complete a Housing Application

Complete or print the Application for Social and Affordable Housing. The completed application can be submitted by email to housinginfo@stthomas.ca, mail, or in person to:

St. Thomas-Elgin Social Services
230 Talbot Street
St. Thomas, ON N5P 1B2

Our office hours are Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 

Option 3: Visit St. Thomas-Elgin Social Services

Visit us at the above address to receive a paper application.

Social Housing Forms and Links

• Application for Housing Application (PDF)
• Online Housing Application Portal
• Market Rent Housing Application
• Medical Request for Additional Bedroom Form
• Confirmation of Abuse Form for Special Priority Status
• Request for a Modified Unit
• Agreement to Sell Property/Divestment Form
• Independent Living Assessment