The Province says improvements being made to the Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) program, including a one-time rental benefit of $430, will bring relief for families and seniors with low incomes, who are receiving a rent subsidy through the Rental Assistance Program and SAFER program.
Current recipients automatically qualify and no action is required.
Existing recipients will see an increase of approximately $110 per month, bringing the average monthly subsidy for existing clients to $310.
B.C.'s Minister of Housing Ravi Kahlon says improvements to the SAFER program will make it available to more seniors by:
Clients in the new, higher income ranges may receive an average subsidy of $190 per month.
The one-time benefit comes from a $12.3-million federal top-up for the Canada Housing Benefit, intended as one-time payments for low-income B.C. households in need.
The Province is providing $15.6-milion.