Basic Needs Assistance
Standard Household Rate
If you need help with your basic needs, you can get an allowance called a Standard Household Rate. The amount you get depends on the number of people in your family and your living situation.
The Standard Household Rate is for basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter, fuel, utilities, and personal items. You may also get help for any special needs you have. The amount you get is based on your situation.
There are three different types of Standard Household Rates. Learn more about them here:
- Standard Household Rate – Rent/Own or Board
- Standard Household Rate – Enhanced
- Standard Household Rate – Essentials
Other Basic Needs Supports
You may be able to get more help for basic needs if:
- You have dependents between the ages 18 – 20 living with you
- You or your family member have a physical disability or terminal illness and need help with barrier-free access to, from or within your home
Standard Household Rate – Rent/Own or Board
If you board, rent a place to live, or own a home, you will get the Standard Household Rate – Rent/Own or Board as shown in the below table.
| Household Composition | Standard Household Rate (Monthly) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Recipient | Dependent Child/Student Family Member | Rent/Own | Board |
| 1 | 0 | $704 | $624 |
| 1 | 1 | $987 | $643 |
| 1 | 2 or more | $1,039 | $685 |
| 2 | 0 | $1,376 | $1,034 |
| 2 | 1 or more | $1,428 | $1,076 |
Standard Household Rate – Enhanced
If you are an eligible single recipient who rents a place to live or owns a home, and you either:
- a disability or a chronic mental, cognitive or physical condition that limits participation in employment services,
- are age 55 or older,
- are age 16 to 18 (inclusive), or
- are fleeing an abusive situation,
you will get the Enhanced Standard Household Rate of $974 per month.
Standard Household Rate – Essentials
If you do not:
- board,
- rent a place to live, or
- own a home,
Are temporarily in a:
- homeless shelter,
- transition house,
- hospital,
- rehabilitation program, or
- unsheltered or without a fixed address
You will get the Standard Household Rate – Essentials of $390 per month. Each adult and/or dependent child aged 18 to 20 in the family will receive this rate.
For more information:
If you have any questions, please contact your caseworker or visit a Community Services office.