In recognition of high interest rates, heating costs and the overall cost of living, in March 2024, eligible Yukon homeowners with low or moderate incomes were invited to apply for a one-time payment to help them with their housing costs. Yukon Housing Corporation received 353 applications from 10 communities over the four-week program period, with 289 of these applications from Whitehorse homeowners.
Applicants had to demonstrate they were in severe core housing need, which refers to households that spend 50 per cent of their gross before-tax income on shelter costs; and had to earn $100,000 or less in 2022 or 2023.
The initial program deadline was March 26. On March 22, the Government of Yukon extended the program deadline to March 31 to allow Yukoners more time to apply. It will take several weeks to finish processing the remaining applications and determine the final program figures.
Yukoners approved for this benefit will receive the Canada-Yukon Housing Homeowner Benefit by June 1, 2024.
Yukoners with low-to-moderate incomes in rental housing who are struggling to afford rent for a home that meets their needs may apply to the Canada-Yukon Housing Rental Benefit for support. Applications for this program remain open year-round.
Recipients in Whitehorse can expect to receive $1,000 while those outside Whitehorse can expect to receive $1,500.
The Government of Canada announced this new funding on February 6, 2024.
The Canada-Yukon Housing Rental Benefit was first announced by the Government of Yukon in partnership with the Government of Canada on November 4, 2020. This program continues to support eligible Yukoners.
Jason Seaton
Yukon Housing Corporation
867-333-9571
Jason.Seaton@yukon.ca