Social Assistance Program (Aide sociale) - including shelter needs
This is Quebec's last-resort help for adults with little or no income who do not have a severe limit on their ability to work. The monthly payment covers basics including housing; it comes as one payment, not a separate rent cheque. As of April 1, 2026, a single adult gets $845 a month, or $1,014 with health limitations.
What you get
Up to $1,574
Who it's for
You qualify if you are an adult without enough income or savings to cover basics and you do not have a severe limit on your ability to work (people with severe limits get the Social Solidarity Program or Basic Income Program instead).
This takes you to the official website
Depends on your household size and income.
What to have ready
Documents they may ask for
- Government ID for everyone in your household, if available
- A copy of your lease or rent agreement
- Recent rent receipt, ledger, or proof of what you owe
- Recent pay stubs, benefit statement, or income proof
- ODSP, Ontario Works, CPP, OAS, or other benefit statement if you have one
- Recent bank statement, if the program asks for it
What to say when you call
“Hi, I found your housing support program and I want to check if I can apply. Can you tell me the current rules, documents needed, and the next step?”
Use the official page first, then call 211 if you are not sure where to start.
Can I get this?
You have a good chance if this sounds like you:
- You can earn up to $200 a month single (or $300 a couple) without it being reduced, plus keep 25% of work income above that
What to do next
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The fine print
More details about the money
Monthly amounts (effective April 1, 2026): single adult $845; single adult with health limitations $1,014; spouse of a student $265 ($434 with health limitations); two adults $1,283 ($1,574 with health limitations). Work-income exemption: up to $200/month (single) or $300/month (couple) without reduction, plus a 25% supplement on work income above that. The Shelter Allowance amount paid by Revenu Quebec is taken into account in the calculation.
Amounts and eligibility change. Confirm the current figure with the program administrator through the official link before you rely on it.
The full eligibility rules
Adults with insufficient income and resources to meet basic needs who do not have a severely limited capacity for employment (people with severe limitations fall under the Social Solidarity Program / Basic Income Program). Subject to income and asset tests.
Good to know
French name: Aide sociale. All monthly amounts ($845 / $1,014 / $265 / $434 / $1,283 / $1,574) and the $200/$300 work-income exemptions are confirmed on the quebec.ca monthly benefit amounts page, effective April 1, 2026. Amounts are indexed annually. The benefit is a single monthly amount covering basic needs including housing, not a distinct rent supplement; institutional/care-centre residents have different amounts. Confidence raised to high after the figures were confirmed against the official source.
Official sources we checked
People also look at
Up to $1,336/month
Depends on your household size and income
Basic Income Program (Programme de revenu de base)
This is a more generous last-resort benefit for people who have had a long-term, severe limit on their ability to work.
Up to $250/month
Yukon Supplementary Allowance
This adds $250 a month on top of social assistance if you cannot work because of a severe or long-term disability, or if you get (or are old enough to get) Old Age Security.
Monthly money for rent and basics
Chatham-Kent Ontario Works (Social Assistance)
Ontario Works is run locally by the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.