One of the biggest headaches for new immigrants and refugees in Edmonton is paying for housing. The first few months after arrival are often accompanied by significant expenses: a security deposit, the first month's rent, and the search for housing. In addition, as a newcomer, you don't have a Canadian credit history, which makes it difficult to get a lease.
The good news is that both the federal and provincial governments of Canada and Alberta understand this problem. There are several programs in Edmonton to help newcomers with housing costs. This article outlines all the options available so that you know who to contact and how to navigate the system.
1. Rent Assistance Benefit (RAB) — Long-term support for people with low incomes
This is the main program for those with consistently low incomes. RAB (Rent Assistance Benefit) is provided by the Alberta government through Civida, which administers these payments in Edmonton.
The basic idea behind RAB is that rent should not be an unbearable burden. The program is designed so that a person pays approximately 30 percent of their income for rent, and the government covers the rest of the difference. This allows low-income individuals to pay for housing and have money for other urgent needs — food, medical care, children.
How it works
RAB provides monthly assistance to low-income individuals so that they can pay rent in private housing. You choose your own accommodation (not necessarily public housing), sign a rental agreement with a private landlord, and then Civida calculates how much assistance you need and transfers the money directly to your account. You pay your share to the landlord, and the assistance makes up the difference.
Who is eligible for RAB?
To be eligible for RAB, you must meet several conditions. First, you must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, refugee, independent immigrant, or government-sponsored immigrant. This means that newcomers with official status can apply almost immediately after arrival.
There is also an asset requirement: your household must have less than $25,000 in assets (money, securities, even your car can count as assets). Your household income must not exceed the provincial limits, which vary depending on family size and city.
Applicants are considered based on need, not on a first-come, first-served basis. Need is determined by several factors, including income, assets, number of dependents, and current living conditions. This means that if you are disabled and your landlord won't let you into a building without an elevator, your situation will be considered a higher priority.
How much will you receive?
The amount of assistance is calculated based on the size of your household, your income, and the local market rent in Edmonton. The maximum amount of assistance is set at $800 per month, but most people receive less. For example, if the local rent is $1,200 and you have an income of $800 per month, the program can give you $360 to pay ($1,200 - $800 - your program allowance = $360) so that you pay exactly 30 percent of your income.
Payments are made directly to your account by the first of the month, so you can plan your expenses.
How to apply
You can apply through the Civida Benefit Portal (civida-portal.albertaservices.ca). You must create a profile using your email address, then fill out the application form. You will need detailed information about your income, assets, and current lease (if you already have a place to live). Civida reviews applications and notifies you of the result within a few weeks.
Documents you will need: a copy of your lease, proof of income (pay stubs from work or a letter from your employer), a list of all the assets you own, and a copy of your ID.
2. Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit (TRAB) — Short-term assistance for working people
If you are working or have recently started working but have a low income, TRAB may be the ideal program for you. This is a short-term assistance program designed for people who are in a transitional period and trying to stabilize their situation — for example, new immigrants who have just found a job.
Key conditions of TRAB
TRAB is a two-year program. In the first year, you will receive a certain amount of assistance based on your household and local rent rates. In the second year, this amount is reduced by approximately 30-40 percent, encouraging you to find more stable sources of income or transition to RAB if you are truly low-income.
Unlike RAB, TRAB does not take assets into account, only income and employment status. Payments are made directly to you, not your landlord, so you have more control over your money.
Who is eligible for TRAB?
To receive TRAB, you must have an income below the established local thresholds (which are determined by household size). Very important: you must be employed or have been employed within the last 24 months. If you are between jobs but have worked in the past year, the program may still cover you. However, you CANNOT be receiving social assistance or other government benefits (Income Support, AISH, Alberta Seniors Benefit, etc.). If you receive any of these benefits, you are only eligible for RAB, not TRAB.
Amount of TRAB assistance
The amount is calculated based on the size of your household and local rental rates in Edmonton. Typically, assistance ranges from $200 to $600 per month in the first year, and decreases in the second year. In the third year (if you reapply after two years), you start from scratch and must re-prove your employment criteria.
How to apply for TRAB
Applications for TRAB are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, unlike RAB, which is considered on a needs basis. You can apply through the Civida Benefit Portal or in person at the Civida office in Edmonton. You will need copies of your most recent pay stubs, proof of income from your employer, or your employment contract (if you are a new employee).
3. Hope Mission — Emergency assistance and housing programs for newcomers
Hope Mission is one of the largest charities in Edmonton, providing assistance to people in difficult situations. In addition to parishes and shelters, they have special programs for newcomers and refugees, especially those facing homelessness or discrimination from landlords.
Housing & Support Hub
Hope Mission has a special center that deals with housing services and immigration issues. The people who work here understand the specific needs of newcomers and can help you find housing and navigate the complex bureaucracy of obtaining assistance.
The center's staff helps with finding housing, gathering documents for payment, and stabilizing your situation. They can also help you apply for assistance programs such as AISH or Alberta Works, as well as remove barriers that may prevent you from accessing these services. If a landlord refuses to rent to you because you are a newcomer or lack a Canadian credit history, Hope Mission staff can intervene as a mediator.
Immigration Hall
Hope Mission owns a building called Immigration Hall, which has 44 private rooms that are rented at below-market rates. These rooms are for people who are in the Breakout Recovery Community program or who work at Hope Mission. If you have completed their recovery program, you may be eligible for housing at Immigration Hall, where the rent will be low and the environment will be safe.
Contact Information
The center is located at 10534 100 St NW, Edmonton, AB, T5H 2R6. Phone: 780-422-2018. Email: [email protected]. You can visit in person or call for information. Many of the staff speak different languages, so don't hesitate to ask if there is someone who speaks your language.
4. Homeward Trust Edmonton — Housing First Program
Homeward Trust Edmonton is a recognized organization that has been fighting homelessness in the city for years. Their Housing First Program prevents people from becoming homeless by providing them with access to stable housing and individualized support. In addition, it is one of the few resources that specifically works with people who are at risk of homelessness or already homeless.
How it works
If you are newly homeless or at risk of homelessness, Homeward Trust will help you find a stable home. They work with landlords to remove barriers for you as a newcomer (lack of Canadian credit history, negative references from previous landlords). They also provide rental assistance, in some cases covering the deposit or first month's rent, and sometimes even furnishing the apartment.
One of the most important aspects of their approach is that they believe that securing stable housing is the first priority, and other issues can be addressed after housing is secured. If you have mental health issues, addiction problems, or other challenges, you still get housing first, and then they help you address those issues.
Success statistics
Since 2009, Homeward Trust has built or helped provide access to more than 1,900 new housing units. They have provided space for more than 1,750 people. Most importantly, 79 percent of their clients who were placed in the program retained their housing after leaving the program. This means that when they help you, it's not just a temporary solution — it's often the start of a new phase in your life.
Contact and how to apply
If you or someone you know needs help, the first step is to contact the Homeward Trust Coordinated Access Service. You can call the hotline or visit one of their centers in person. They will assess your needs and determine if you are eligible for assistance. If you are, they will begin the process of finding you housing.
5. Organizations for Newcomers: EISA, ISANS, Citadel Multicultural Centre
There are several specialized organizations in Edmonton that help new immigrants and refugees get started in the city. While they don't always provide direct financial assistance, they offer valuable advice on how to get help, how to avoid scams, and how to navigate the complex Canadian system.
Edmonton Immigrant Services Association (EISA)
EISA provides settlement services both at its main office and through partnerships with public schools and libraries. Their settlement specialists will tell you about available housing payment programs, how to apply, and how to avoid scams from unscrupulous landlords.
EISA has also built a network of partners, including Hope Mission, Homeward Trust, and other organizations, so if you need assistance beyond their expertise, they can refer you. EISA has staff who speak dozens of languages, so you can communicate in your own language. Services are completely free.
Edmonton Public Library and Settlement Services
The Edmonton Public Library is another great resource. They offer Settlement Services through a partnership with EISA. Locations are spread across various libraries throughout the city, so you can go to the one closest to you.
Citadel Multicultural Centre
Citadel Multicultural Centre is an organization that provides newcomers with personal items, food, and clothing based on available resources. They also connect newcomers with a network of more than 50 culturally diverse communities that are ready to help.
6. Alberta Works and AISH — Social Assistance
If you are in a difficult financial situation or have a recognized disability, you may be eligible for Alberta's social assistance programs.
Alberta Works
Alberta Works is a program that provides assistance to individuals who have low incomes and need financial support. Although it is not a guaranteed program for newcomers, many people who do not find work immediately receive assistance through this program.
If you receive Alberta Works, you may be eligible for increased rental assistance. Some of these payments transfer to the RAB program, so you can receive two benefits at the same time.
Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH)
If you have a severe physical or mental disability that prevents you from working, AISH provides long-term assistance. The benefit includes a housing component, so the amount of assistance takes into account your rental expenses.
7. How to apply: Step by step
If you are a newcomer and would like to apply for housing assistance, here's where to start.
- Step 1: Determine your status. Are you a permanent resident, refugee, government-sponsored immigrant, or independent immigrant? Your status will determine which programs are available to you.
- Step 2: Contact EISA or another settlement organization. They will walk you through all the programs available to you. They can also help you fill out forms if you need assistance. You can contact them through their offices, libraries, or call the City of Edmonton at 311 for contact information.
- Step 3: Determine which program is best for you. If you are working, consider TRAB (short waiting list, faster processing). If your income is low enough or you are unable to work, consider RAB (longer support). If you are homeless or at risk of homelessness, contact Homeward Trust or Hope Mission.
- *Step 4: Gather all the necessary documents. * You will need copies of your identification (passport + permanent residence card or refugee card), rental agreement (if you already have a place to live), pay slips from work, and any other income documents (business declaration if you are a freelancer, etc.).
- Step 5: Submit your application. Most programs can be applied for through online portals (Civida Benefit Portal). Some require an in-person application or may require assistance from EISA.
Frequently asked questions and caveats
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Will I lose certain benefits if I receive assistance? In general, no. Rental assistance does not affect your status as a permanent resident or your eligibility for citizenship. However, some programs (such as AISH or Alberta Works) may have conditions that you must comply with. For example, if you are on Alberta Works and find a job with a good salary, you will no longer be eligible for assistance.
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How long does it take for an application to be reviewed? For TRAB, since it is first-come, first-served, applications can be reviewed within a few days to a week. For RAB, which is needs-based, the process can take 2-4 weeks, as staff must assess your situation.
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Can I get help with a deposit? Some programs, such as Homeward Trust, can help with a deposit if you are at risk of homelessness. RAB and TRAB typically only help with monthly rent, not deposits. However, some landlords (especially those who work with charities) may reduce the deposit if you need it.
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What if I don't have a Canadian credit history? Organizations such as Homeward Trust and Hope Mission understand this problem and work with landlords to overcome this obstacle. Some landlords also accept private references from charities or EISA instead of a traditional credit check.
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How long can I receive assistance? RAB has no time limit as long as you remain eligible. TRAB has a maximum of 2 years (with the option to reuse after a two-year break). Alberta Works and AISH also have no time limits as long as you remain eligible.
Conclusion
There are plenty of resources in Edmonton to help newcomers with housing costs. The key is finding the right organization and program that fits your needs. Don't worry about the complexity of the system — start with EISA, contact your local Civida office, or call Homeward Trust. The people there understand your challenges and are ready to help.