Rental assistance programs in Alberta: a comprehensive guide

The Alberta government offers two main rental assistance programs for low-income residents: Rent Assistance Benefit (RAB) and Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit (TRAB). These initiatives are part of Canada's National Housing Strategy and are jointly funded by the federal and provincial governments. This article takes a detailed look at all aspects of these programs, including eligibility, benefit amounts, and the application process.

Overview of rental assistance programs

Rent Assistance Benefit (RAB)

Target audience: The RAB program is designed for individuals with the lowest incomes who need long-term support.

Program features:

  • Assistance is provided indefinitely, subject to annual confirmation of eligibility
  • The amount of the subsidy is calculated as the difference between 30% of the household income and the market value of the rent
  • The maximum amount of assistance varies from $500 to $900 per month depending on the size of the dwelling and location
  • The program is available in all regions of Alberta through local housing authorities

Maximum amounts of assistance under the RAB:

  • $500 for households in need of a studio or 1-bedroom apartment
  • $600 for households that need a 2-bedroom apartment
  • $700 for households that need a 3-bedroom apartment
  • $800 for households that need 4 or more bedrooms

Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit (TRAB)

Target audience:
The TRAB program is designed for low-income working households or those who have lost their jobs in the last 24 months.

Program features:

  • Maximum support period of 2 years with a 20% reduction in the amount in the second year
  • Fixed rates depending on the size of the dwelling and location
  • Program available in 7 major cities: Calgary, Edmonton, Fort McMurray, Grand Prairie, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, and Red Deer

TRAB rates for 2024 (first year):

  • Studio: $149 to $221 per month depending on the city
  • 1-bedroom: $169 to $261 per month
  • 2-bedroom: $207 to $304 per month
  • 3-bedroom: $259 to $342 per month
  • 4+ bedrooms: $302 to $468 per month

For example, in Calgary, the rates for the first year are: $216 for a studio, $261 for a 1-bedroom, $304 for a 2-bedroom, $342 for a 3-bedroom, and $394 for a 4+ bedroom apartment.

Eligibility requirements

General requirements for both programs

  1. Income: Below local limits, which are determined for each municipality

    • For Calgary (2024): Studio - $48,000, 1-bedroom - $58,000, 2-bedroom - $67,500, 3-bedroom - $76,000, 4+ bedrooms - $87,500
    • For Edmonton (2024): Studio - $39,000, 1-bedroom - $46,500, 2-bedroom - $58,000, 3-bedroom - $70,000, 4+ bedrooms - $75,500

  2. Citizenship: The applicant must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or refugee

  • Persons who have applied for refugee or immigrant status are also eligible if private sponsorship has been arranged
  • Evacuees from Ukraine with a Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel are also eligible to apply
  1. Assets: Total assets must not exceed $25,000 (excluding primary vehicle and retirement accounts)

Additional requirements for TRAB

  • Employment within the last 2 years

  • No receipt of social assistance, including:

  • Income Support

  • Learner Income Support

  • Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH)

  • Alberta Seniors Benefit

  • Guaranteed Income Supplement

Application process

Step 1: Needs assessment

Before applying, potential applicants should use the Find Housing tool on the Alberta government website to determine what housing options are available for their needs. This tool will help determine if the RAB or TRAB program is appropriate for their situation.

Step 2: Select a service provider

Once you have identified a suitable program, you must contact your local housing authority. For example, in Calgary, this is the Calgary Housing Company, and in Edmonton, it is Civida. Contact information for providers can be found at the end of the Find Housing tool.

Step 3: Prepare your documents

The following documents are required to apply:

  • Proof of status in Canada (birth certificate, citizenship documents, or immigration documents)
  • Proof of income (tax returns, pay stubs)
  • Proof of rent (current rent receipt, copy of lease)
  • Proof of assets (bank statements, letters from financial institutions)

Step 4: Submit your application

Applications for rental assistance programs are processed through the online portals of the relevant housing authorities. For example, the Calgary Housing Company offers an online portal that allows you to:

  • Create an account and fill out an application
  • Upload all required documents
  • Update your application if your situation changes
  • Check the status of your application
  • Confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria

Priority and allocation of assistance

Rent Assistance Benefit (RAB)

For the RAB program, applicants are prioritized based on need. Need is determined by several factors, including but not limited to:

  • Income level
  • Asset ownership
  • Number of dependents
  • Current housing conditions

Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit (TRAB)

For the TRAB program, applicants are given priority on a first-come, first-served basis. This means that applications are reviewed in the order they are received, and assistance is provided until available funding is exhausted.

Calculation of assistance amount

Rent Assistance Benefit (RAB)

The amount of assistance under the RAB program is calculated using the following formula:

  • Assistance = Market rent - 30% of household income
  • Maximum amount is limited based on the size of the dwelling (ranging from $500 to $800)

For example, if the market rent is $1,200 and 30% of the household income is $600, the amount of assistance will be $600 (provided that it does not exceed the maximum amount for the corresponding size of housing).

Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit (TRAB)

The amount of assistance under the TRAB program is fixed and depends on:

  • The size of the dwelling (number of bedrooms)
  • Location (city)
  • Year of assistance (first or second)

In the second year of assistance, the amount is reduced by 20%. For example, for a 2-bedroom apartment in Edmonton, the assistance is $261 per month in the first year and $209 per month in the second year.

Duration and renewal of assistance

Rent Assistance Benefit (RAB)

The RAB program has no time limit, but eligibility is reassessed annually. If the applicant remains eligible and funding is available, they will continue to receive assistance.

Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit (TRAB)

The TRAB program has a maximum duration of 2 years, after which eligibility is reassessed. Households may reapply for assistance after the 2-year period has expired.

Important details

  • Information updates: Annual verification of income and housing conditions is mandatory for both programs
  • Penalties: Providing false information may result in termination of assistance and legal liability
  • Change in circumstances: Assistance recipients must report any changes in income, household composition, or living conditions

Rental market statistics and trends

The rental market in Alberta shows different trends depending on the city. In 2024:

  • Calgary had the highest rent growth rate among Canada's major urban centres, although growth slowed compared to the previous year
  • Edmonton saw rental growth accelerate, allowing the city to catch up with the provincial average
  • Alberta's unemployment rate was 7.1% in March 2025, indicating a need for rental assistance programs

Contact information

For more information about rental assistance programs, please contact:

Alberta Supports Contact Centre:

  • Phone: 1-877-644-9992 (toll-free)
  • Phone: 780-644-9992 (Edmonton)
  • Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:15 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Calgary Housing Company:

Conclusion

Rental assistance programs in Alberta are an important tool for ensuring affordable housing for low-income residents. The Rent Assistance Benefit (RAB) provides long-term support for the most vulnerable populations, while the Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit (TRAB) helps working households stabilize their situation.

To be eligible for assistance, you must meet income, citizenship, and asset criteria and apply through your local housing authority. The amount of assistance depends on your household income, the size of your home, and its location.

It is important to regularly update your income and housing information to continue receiving assistance. Up-to-date information on rental assistance programs can be found on the Alberta government's official website or by contacting the Alberta Supports Contact Centre.