Emergency Rent and Utility Assistance / Housing Stability Plan (Windsor-Essex)
The City of Windsor offers one-time emergency rent help to keep you from being evicted by covering rent you owe or first and last month's rent. It also has a 'Keep the Heat' program for utility or heating bills if you could be cut off. Help ranges from $822 to $2,266 a month depending on home size.
What you get
Emergency rent money
Who it's for
You qualify if you live in Windsor or Essex County and get OW, ODSP, or meet the income limits (about $46,000 to $83,000 a year depending on home size).
This takes you to the official website
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
- Any rent arrears notice or eviction notice
- Recent pay stubs, benefit statement, or income proof
- ODSP, Ontario Works, CPP, OAS, or other benefit statement if you have one
What to say when you call
“Hi, I need help paying my rent and I may be behind. Can you tell me what emergency rent help is open, what documents I need, and the fastest way to apply?”
Use the official page first, then call 211 if you are not sure where to start.
What to do next
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The fine print
More details about the money
Maximum monthly assistance ranges from $822 (bachelor) to $2,266 (4+ bedroom). Annual household income limits range from about $46,000 to $83,000 depending on unit size.
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
Residents of Windsor or Essex County who receive OW, ODSP, or meet income thresholds; housing costs below 65% of gross household income; rental arrears not exceeding two months; have received an eviction notice (or a documented relocation need); have lived at the address at least one year; and have not received rent assistance in the prior two years.
Good to know
All figures (monthly maximums $822-$2,266, income limits ~$46,000-$83,000, two-month arrears cap, one-year residency, no assistance in prior 24 months) CONFIRMED on the official City of Windsor page. Amounts and thresholds change annually; verify before quoting.
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