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
     - Couples/Families/Seniors $75,000


How to Apply

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

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.

2. Complete a Housing Application: Complete or print the Application for Social and Affordable Housing. The completed application can be submitted by email to [email protected], mail, or in person to:

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

3. Visit St. Thomas-Elgin Social Services: Visit us at the above address to receive a paper application.  

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


Social Housing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What will I be asked to provide with my application form?
In addition to the completed form, please include:

  • Copies of birth certificates of all members of the household or application for status as a permanent resident or claim for refugee protection 
  • Verification of all income sources (most recent pay stubs, most recent Income Tax Notice of Assessment or income tax return, etc.)
  • Other documentation such as court orders for custody, support, or child visitation arrangements.
What happens after I submit my application?
If your application is complete and all the documentation has been provided, your name will go on the waiting list for the housing providers you have selected based on the date your application was received.

Once you reach the top of that housing provider's waiting list, the housing provider will contact you directly as soon as a unit becomes available.
What is Special Priority Status?
Special Priority Status is given to victims of family violence; these applications are given priority at the top of the waiting list.

The intent of the SP status is to make it easier for an applicant to enter affordable, subsidized housing quickly, right after leaving the abusive relationship, to prevent her or him from having to return to the abusive household because affordable housing cannot be found. Normally, Special Priority status is granted when a request is submitted within three months after an applicant ceased to live together with the abuser.

A record of the abuse must be verified by a doctor, social worker, police, shelter worker, or other professional.