If you’re searching for government grants for housing for single mothers, the first thing to know is this: Canada does not offer one national grant just for single mothers’ housing. Instead, support comes through a mix of federal housing benefits, provincial rent supplements, and local housing programs, many of which explicitly include single-parent families.
The good news is that these programs can provide ongoing monthly help, not just one-time payments, and they are active for 2025–2026 across most provinces.
Most housing help in Canada falls into three buckets: rent benefits, shelter allowances, and community-delivered housing support. Here are the main programs single mothers should check first.
These programs are part of the National Housing Strategy and are delivered by provinces and territories.
Important: The one-time $500 federal housing top-up is closed. Applications ended March 31, 2023.
Ontario: Canada–Ontario Housing Benefit (COHB)
British Columbia: Rental Assistance Program (RAP)
Quebec: Shelter Allowance Program
Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy
This federal program funds local organizations to prevent homelessness and support people at risk, including single mothers facing housing insecurity.
Support may include:
Because funding is delivered locally, access depends on your city or region, not just your province.
Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
While not a housing grant, the CCB provides monthly, tax-free payments to eligible parents and is often used to offset rent and utilities.
Eligibility varies by program, but most housing benefits for single mothers look at:
Some programs require you to be working, while others are available if you receive social assistance.
Looking only for “grants”
Most housing help is paid monthly, not as a lump-sum grant. Searching only for grants can cause you to miss real support.
Assuming federal programs are automatic
Even federally funded benefits like the Canada Housing Benefit require local applications.
Missing local deadlines
Municipal housing programs often have intake windows or waitlists. Applying late can mean waiting months.
Not combining benefits
Housing benefits, child benefits, and provincial supports can usually be received together.
Q: Are there housing grants only for single mothers in Canada?
No. There is no nationwide housing grant exclusively for single mothers. However, many housing benefits explicitly include single-parent families as eligible households.
Q: How much housing assistance can a single mother receive?
It depends on the program and province. For example, Quebec’s Shelter Allowance can provide up to $170 per month, while rent benefits in other provinces vary based on income and rent levels.
Q: Can I get housing help if I already receive child benefits?
Yes. Programs like the Canada Child Benefit do not disqualify you from housing benefits. Many families receive both at the same time.
Q: Is housing support different in each province?
Yes. While funding often comes from the federal government, provinces and municipalities set their own rules and application processes.
If you’re exploring broader support options, these guides can help:
Because housing programs are highly province- and city-specific, the fastest way forward is to check which benefits match your income, family size, and location. Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter programs by province and household type in seconds.
GrantHub tracks 2,500+ active grant and benefit programs across Canada — including housing support for single mothers — so you can see what you qualify for right now based on where you live.
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