Overview

If you have experienced abuse or trafficking and need housing assistance, you can apply for priority access to a rent-geared-to-income (RGI) social housing unit (known as RGI assistance). Tenants receiving RGI assistance typically pay 30% of their income in rent.

Under the Housing Services Act, 2011, the Special Priority Policy gives eligible survivors of abuse and trafficking priority access to RGI assistance. This is intended to ensure that housing is not a barrier to leave a situation of abuse or trafficking.

Waiting lists for RGI assistance are generally based on the date you apply. There is a high demand for RGI housing and wait times vary depending on your location within the province. If you are eligible for the Special Priority Policy, you will be placed at the top of the waiting list for RGI assistance (after other Special Priority Policy households who are already on the waiting list).

Eligibility

Municipal and regional bodies in Ontario called Service Managers are responsible for the administration and delivery of community housing, including RGI assistance and the Special Priority Policy.

Find your local Service Manager to learn more about community housing in your area.

To qualify for the Special Priority Policy, you will need to apply through your Service Manager and you must be eligible for both RGI assistance and the Special Priority Policy.

To qualify for RGI assistance:

  • at least one person in your household must be at least 16 years of age and able to live independently
  • each person in your household must be either a Canadian citizen, have applied for permanent resident status, or made a claim for refugee protection
  • your household income and assets must be no greater than the limits set by your local Service Manager
  • you must meet any other local eligibility rules set by your Service Manager

You may also be eligible to receive priority access to RGI assistance through the Special Priority Policy if you have experienced any of the following:

  • abuse, including:
    • physical or sexual violence
    • controlling behaviour
    • intentional destruction of or injury to property
    • words, actions or gestures that threaten you or lead you to fear for your safety
  • trafficking, including:
    • sex trafficking
    • labour trafficking

If you are a survivor of abuse, you must:

  • apply while living with or within three months of living with your abuser (this requirement does not apply if your abuser is sponsoring you as an immigrant)
  • intend to live permanently apart from your abuser

If you are a survivor of trafficking, you must:

  • apply while the trafficking is ongoing or within three months after the trafficking has stopped 

If you do not meet the eligibility criteria for RGI assistance or the Special Priority Policy (for example, if you did not apply within the three-month limit), you may still qualify to receive assistance in certain situations. Check with your local Service Manager.

How to apply for the Special Priority Policy

If you think you might be eligible, find your local Service Manager and visit their website to find application forms for RGI assistance and the Special Priority Policy. For help with applying or any other questions, please contact your Service Manager directly.

You can also ask your Service Manager about local service providers who may be able to help you with your application.

You may also apply for RGI assistance and the Special Priority Policy in more than one Service Manager area if you are willing to relocate.

Other supports for survivors of abuse and trafficking

Learn more about services and supports available for survivors of abuse and trafficking:

Your Service Manager can also provide information on other services and supports that may be available.

Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit

You may want to ask your Service Manager about applying for the Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit (COHB). If you are in financial need, you may be eligible to receive a direct, monthly benefit to help pay your rent anywhere in Ontario.

Survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking are one of the priority groups for the COHB. Please note that funding for the COHB each year is limited, and you may have to wait until funding is available before being eligible to apply for assistance.

Hide your internet activity

The internet is a great resource for finding information that can help you make decisions about your personal situation. However, the record of your internet activities does not disappear when you close your browser. If you are concerned that someone may be monitoring you, it is helpful to know how to hide your internet activities.

Learn more about the steps you can take to hide your internet activity.