May 22, 2015
Budget 2015 Raises Rent Benefits Ahead of Schedule
– – –Enhancements to Rent Assist will Provide Stability as People Move into Training, Employment Opportunities: Minister Chief
The Manitoba government is moving ahead with enhancements to the Rent Assist shelter benefit program that will help to promote employment, provide stability for families, and reduce child poverty Jobs and the Economy Minister Kevin Chief announced today.
“Over the next decade, Manitoba will need thousands more workers for good careers in skilled and specialized jobs,” said Minister Chief. “Giving people extra help now when they need it most means they will be able to help us when we need them most.”
“Starting a new career is exciting but can also be a challenging change in someone’s life,” said Florence Ticzon, senior manager, human resources, StandardAero. “We are working hard to make sure our employees have the best opportunity to succeed. Access to good stable housing during their training and career transition helps make that possible.”
The Rent Assist program provides financial benefits for people who pay more than 25 per cent of their income on rent for a modest apartment in the private market. The benefit is available to people who earn a low income, not just for people who receive social assistance.
Budget 2015 invests $22 million to fully implement Rent Assist. These benefits will be increased this year in July, and again in December as part of a plan to raise shelter benefit rates to 75 per cent of median market rent, the minister said. For a single parent with two children, this can mean total monthly rental support of as much as $742, he added.
“This is an important step in helping low-income families meet their basic needs, find appropriate housing and avoid poverty,” said Family Services Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross. “Families need the stability of decent housing so they can put down roots and give their children the healthy upbringing they need to thrive while building strong communities.”
Minister Chief noted Rent Assist is an important step in modernizing the income support system in Manitoba. By supporting low-income working families, Rent Assist helps to support those who are often left on the margins of the workforce, he added.
“Families who pay excessive amounts of their income on housing don’t have enough for other needs, such as healthy food,” said Housing and Community Development Minister Mohinder Saran. “Rent Assist will provide housing stability so people can safely transition to work and better provide for their families. Rent benefits can have a substantial effect on improving health and decreasing child poverty.”
Minister Irvin-Ross said the full introduction of the Rent Assist benefit to 75 per cent of median market rent is an important commitment to reduce poverty and a key recommendation from the All Aboard: Manitoba’s Poverty Reduction Strategy. The increase in the Rent Assist benefit is subject to the passage of Budget 2015, she noted.
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