Apply for Community Housing,
Rental Assistant Benefit,
Temporary Rental Assistant Benefit

Here is how to apply for Community Housing, Rental Assistance Benefit (RAB), or Temporary Rental Assistance Benefit (TRAB) in Red Deer, Sylvan Lake or Innisfail

Step 1:
Check Your Eligibility and Point Scoring

Review the requirements for Community Housing and learn how points are assigned to prioritize applications. Details are provided below.

Step 2:
Create or Log Into Your Online Account

If you already have an account, log in to start your application. New users will need to create an account to access the application.

Step 3:
Submit Your Application and Documents

Complete your online application and upload all required documents listed further down on this page to finalize your submission.

Apply now for Community Housing, RAB, or TRAB

After you have logged in, you will be able to choose the program you want to apply for.

Consent Form to Release Personal Information

Review Eligibility and Point Scoring

What is Point Scoring?

Central Alberta Housing Corporation (CAHC) must follow the Social Housing Accommodation Regulation (SHAR) to determine how to assign community housing and rent subsidies. Priority is decided based on the points system, meaning the higher points an applicant has, the higher their priority is.

  • A dependent is considered an individual who is less than 25 years of age and is related by blood, adoption, marriage or by virtue of an adult interdependent relationship to another member of the household, or;

    A member of the household who is considered to be a dependent, as defined under section 118(6) of the Income Tax Act (Canada), of another member of the household.

    1-2 dependents will receive 10 points, and 3 or more will receive 20 points. The maximum points are 20.

  • A maximum total of 25 points are awarded based on the proportion of the rent to income. The calculation to be used to determine the percentage of the rent to income is as follows:
    Annual rent paid ÷ Line 1500 income X 100 = % of rent to income

  • If a member of a household is a member of a target population group identified by the minister, who is able to live independently with community-based supports as needed, 10 points are to be awarded per population group, for a maximum of 20 points.

  • · Indigenous People,
    · People with disabilities,
    · Individuals fleeing violence*,
    · People at risk of homelessness or transitioning out of homelessness supports*,
    · People dealing with mental health and addiction*,
    · Youth exiting government care,
    · Veterans,
    · Recent immigrants and refugees,
    · Racialized groups,
    · People who identify with diverse concepts of sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression, such as 2SLGBTQI+, etc.

    *If the tenant is accessing appropriate support and services to support stable housing.

  • 5 points are to be awarded if a household is responsible for utility costs in addition to rent.

  • A maximum of 10 points may be awarded if the current accommodation of the household poses a health and safety risk, based on reasonable evidence provided by the applicants.

  • A maximum of 10 points may be awarded if access to housing will positively impact the applicant on a social and economic level.

    Point scores are reviewed prior to housing or subsidies being offered to ensure the score is based on the most accurate and up-to-date information.

    It is important to advise Red Deer Housing Authority of any changes to your situation, as this may affect your point score.

Points are given for the following:

Gather the following Documents Needed for Your Application

  • Documentation to verify all sources of household income. i.e.: pay stub, EI benefits, spousal support, AISH, Income Support, Student funding, etc.

  • Verification of your government-issued photo ID.

  • A copy of the most recent Notice of Assessment (Revenue Canada)

  • A copy of the Alberta Health Care Card for each member of the household.

  • Proof of Canadian Citizenship, permanent residency/refugee status card/information, or Birth Certificate, if applicable, Indigenous Status Card.

Please ensure that all information and documents submitted in and with the application are true and accurate to the best of your knowledge.

Based on the information you provide, we will assess your eligibility for Community Housing. Once you have been found eligible, we will point-score your application.

❗ Providing all additional documentation we request is vital.
Otherwise, we will not be able to process your application.