By Drew Stremick

Cost of Living

Alberta government expands temporary rent assistance program

Aug 5, 2022 | 6:06 PM

For Albertans struggling to make ends meet, an extra $100 can go a long way. The Alberta Government announced on Friday, August 5, 2022, that it is expanding the Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit (TRAB) to include more than 80 communities across Alberta.

The TRAB offers eligible Albertans a minimum of $100 per month to help them cover their rent payments.

The program was initially launched in Alberta’s seven largest municipalities, and now because of the expansion, the benefit will cover surrounding communities. It is administered in the Peace by the Grande Spirit Foundation.

Alberta Minister of Seniors and Housing Josephine Pon says expanding the TRAB will help people deal with rapidly rising costs of living.

“Making the best use of rent supports is a key component to Stronger Foundations: Alberta’s 10 Year Affordable Housing Strategy,” said Pon. “By expanding the Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit to over 80 communities, more support is available to Albertans in need helping make life more affordable during inflation.”

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The benefit is provided on a first-come, first-served basis and is paid directly to eligible tenants. The factors that determine how much a household will receive are dependent on a number of factors including:

• Being below the local income threshold
• Currently being employed or have been employed in the last 24 months
• Whether or not they are not currently receiving social assistance

Chief Administrative Officer of the Lethbridge Housing Authority Robin Jones says she appreciates the government expanding the program as it will go a long way to help renters in Southern Alberta.

“With the newly announced expansion of the Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit, Lethbridge Housing Authority is now able to serve over 30 communities in southwestern Alberta,” Jones said. “We are thankful for the government’s investment in rent support and look forward to serving rural Albertans.”

Budget 2022 committed $7.2 million towards the program for 2022-23, and TRAB will now serve an additional 3,800 households across the province. There are seven local housing providers that administer the temporary benefit on behalf of the Government of Alberta.

Albertans can check to see if they qualify for the benefit on the Government of Alberta website.