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Provincial Program · Manitoba

Manitoba Rent Assist

MB Rent Assist

Rent Assist helps Manitobans with the cost of rent and utilities. It is available both to people receiving EIA (as part of their file) and to low-income renters who are not on EIA. The benefit is based on the gap between a set percentage of median market rent and a share of your household income.

Last reviewed: September 2026

Useful Tips for Applying

Use the Rent Assist Estimator online before applying to see what you might receive. If you live in subsidized housing you may not be eligible, since the program targets private-market renters. Report rent or income changes promptly so your benefit stays accurate.

Who May Qualify

You may qualify if you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, live in Manitoba, are 18 or older, rent unsubsidized private housing, and your net annual income is below the thresholds for your household size. EIA recipients receive Rent Assist as part of their EIA file.

Required Documents

Proof of Manitoba residency, Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status, proof of rent and utility costs (lease or rental agreement), and household income information for all adults.

How to Apply

If you receive EIA, Rent Assist is included in your file. If you do not receive EIA, apply directly for Rent Assist through Manitoba Families. Use the online Rent Assist Estimator to estimate your benefit before applying.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A common mistake is not realizing you can get Rent Assist even if you are not on EIA. Another is not reporting income changes, which affects the amount. People also miss that the benefit is calculated using median market rent, which varies by region.

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Indigenous Disability Canada / BC Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS)

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Indigenous Disability Canada / British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS) is a national, Indigenous-led charitable organization providing cross-disability support and navigation services to Indigenous (First Nation, Métis, Inuit) peoples in Canada with disabilities. It delivers the National Indigenous Navigation Services to help Indigenous persons with disabilities access the Disability Tax Credit, the Canada Disability Benefit, and other federal, provincial and territorial disability benefits.

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Disability Alliance Canada is a national cross-disability non-profit that provides free one-on-one support to help people navigate federal disability programs, including the Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefit (CPP-D), the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), and the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB). They also offer educational guides, training and workshops, and help with applications, reconsiderations, and appeals.

Languages: English, French

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Inclusion Canada is the national federation working to advance the full inclusion and human rights of people with an intellectual disability and their families across Canada. Its Barrier-Free Benefits program provides free one-on-one disability benefits navigation support across Canada.

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Accessible Compass is an independent guide — we are not a government agency and do not process applications or approve benefits. We provide general information only, not legal, medical, or financial advice. Program rules may change. Always confirm with official government sources.

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