Temporary
Rental Assistant Benefit
TRAB

Welcome to the Temporary Rental Assistance Benefit (TRAB) – The Temporary Rental Assistance Benefit offers short-term support for working households facing financial hardship, providing a monthly subsidy to help cover rent while you regain financial stability.

What is the Temporary Rental Assistance Benefit?

The Temporary Rental Assistance Benefit (TRAB) is a program set up by both, the Federal and Provincial Governments to help meet the housing needs in our communities. It is a monthly subsidy that is issued directly to you, intended to help you pay your rent every month.

Am I eligible for the Temporary Rental Assistance Benefit?

We use a provincial point-scoring system to ensure that assistance goes to those who need it most.

To be eligible for Temporary Rental Assistance, you must:

✔️ Be in core housing need, meaning you might be facing challenges in securing adequate housing.

✔️ Have less than $25,000 in assets, not including personal belongings (household furnishings, clothing, primary vehicle etc.).

✔️ Be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or a refugee sponsored by the Government of Canada. If you've applied for refugee or immigration status and your private sponsorship has broken down, you may also qualify.

✔️ Be currently employed or have received employment income at any point during the last 24 months. If you’re receiving Employment Insurance, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, or the Canada Recovery Benefit, you’re eligible for TRAB, too.

✔️ Be able to provide proof of your employment income, like a pay stub or Notice of Assessment.

📌If you receive social assistance (like Income Support or Old Age Security), you won’t be eligible for TRAB.
📌 If you receive Rental Assistance Benefit (RAB) or live in social housing managed by a Housing Management Body (HMB), you won’t be eligible for TRAB.

How much Temporary Rental Assistance will I receive?

Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit (TRAB) Rates 2024 Rates – Year One and Year Two Assistance for working Albertans TRAB provides a modest subsidy for working households with low income or those between jobs. Support is intended to help eligible tenants afford their rent while they stabilize or improve their situation. This document provides the 2024 TRAB rates in Alberta’s seven largest municipalities.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How Long Does the Temporary Rental Assistance Benefit Last?

    TRAB is temporary and lasts up to two years. In the first year, you receive the full benefit amount. In the second year, eligibility is reassessed, and a reduced amount may be provided if you still qualify.

  • Can I Reapply for TRAB After Two Years?

    Yes, once the two-year period ends, you can reapply for TRAB if you still need assistance.

  • Who Is Eligible for the Temporary Rental Assistance Benefit?

    To qualify for TRAB, you must be in core housing need, have less than $25,000 in savings or valuable items (excluding personal belongings), and be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or sponsored refugee.

  • What Is Core Housing Need for TRAB Eligibility?

    Core housing need means you are facing challenges in securing adequate and affordable housing.

  • What Are the Limits on Savings and Valuables for TRAB?

    Your total savings and valuable items must be under $25,000, not including personal items like household furnishings, clothing, and your primary vehicle.

  • Can Refugees and Permanent Residents Apply for TRAB?

    Yes, TRAB is available to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and government-sponsored refugees. If your private sponsorship has ended, you may also qualify.

  • Do I Need to Provide Proof of Income for TRAB?

    Yes, you must provide proof of employment income, such as a pay stub or Notice of Assessment, to be eligible.

  • Who Is Not Eligible for the Temporary Rental Assistance Benefit?

    You are not eligible if you receive social assistance (e.g., Income Support or Old Age Security), the Rental Assistance Benefit (RAB), or live in housing managed by a Housing Management Body (HMB).

  • How Much Financial Assistance Will I Receive from TRAB?

    The amount of assistance you receive depends on your financial need and is intended to help cover your monthly rent.

  • When Will I Receive Temporary Rental Assistance?

    TRAB is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis until funding limits are reached. Once funding is available, the next person on the list will receive assistance.

  • What Happens If TRAB Funding Is Limited?

    If funding reaches its limit, new applications may be placed on a waitlist until more funds become available.

  • How Does TRAB Reassess Eligibility in the Second Year?

    After the first year, your eligibility is reassessed. If you still qualify, you will receive a reduced benefit amount for the second year.

Application Process

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

Application

This takes us about 3 to 4 weeks. Feel free to call the office to check the status of your application.

Assessment

Waitlist

If you are deemed eligible, you are placed on our waitlist.

Once a spot on the program becomes available, you will be offered housing or a subsidy.

Offer to Move