About
The Métis Elders Rent Supplement Program is an affordability support initiative established by MNBC. This program provides monthly financial assistance to eligible Elders and Seniors who rent their primary residence and are experiencing high rental costs.
Coverage Amount(s)
Eligible applicants may receive up to $475 per month if they are spending more than 30% of their total gross household income on rent.
Eligibility
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be 60 years of age or older at time of application.
- Be an MNBC Citizen and provide a copy of their Citizenship card.
- Be a resident of British Columbia.
- Have a total gross household income of less than $54,000, as shown on their most recent Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
- Be paying more than 30% of their total gross household income toward rent.
- Not own residential property.
- Not be renting multiple dwellings.
Applicants living in subsidized housing are not eligible. Applicants receiving Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) from BC Housing or the Rental Assistance Program (RAP) are not automatically ineligible. These amounts will be included in the calculation of total gross household income for the purpose of determining eligibility.
Applicants must meet all eligibility criteria at the time of application and throughout the duration of participation in the program.
Certain tenancy types and arrangements fall outside the scope of the program and are therefore not eligible for support.
Covered and Excluded Costs
The Program supports a range of rental housing types within the Province of British Columbia, provided that the tenancy constitutes the applicant’s primary residence and meets program eligibility requirements.
Eligible tenancy types include:
- Single-family homes.
- Semi-detached homes, townhouses, and row houses.
- Mobile homes, including pad rent for a mobile home, trailer, or RV owned by the applicant.
- Multi-unit residential dwellings (e.g., apartments in apartment buildings).
- Long-term care or assisted living residences.
- Housing co-operatives (co-ops).
- Other tenancy types, under exceptional circumstances.
The following tenancy types are ineligible:
- Homes or secondary suites owned by a family member where the landlord is a direct relative.
- Homes located outside the Province of British Columbia.
- Leasehold land arrangements where the applicant is the direct leaseholder (e.g., long-term leasehold agreements such as 99-year leases on First Nation land).
- Commercial or industrial properties, including business premises.
Tenancies must meet program requirements and be consistent with the intent of supporting rental housing affordability within British Columbia.
Availability and Deadline
This program operates on a yearly cycle from July through June. Approved recipients must complete and submit a rent supplement questionnaire by June 15 each year. This annual review helps to:
- Confirm continued eligibility
- Identify additional support needs
- Connect Elders and Seniors with relevant MNBC programs and services
- Support long-term housing stability
How to Apply
To apply, please complete the application form and submit all required documents by email or mail.
By email: rentsupplement@mnbc.ca
By mail: Métis Elders Rent Supplement Program 380-13401 108 Street, Surrey, B.C., V3T 5T3.