Rent Bank And Utility Bank
PURPOSE
The purpose of the Rent and/or Utility Bank Programs is to assist individuals in maintaining their housing when faced with the possibility of eviction due to rental arrears or in maintaining their energy source(s) when faced with the possibility that their energy source(s) may be turned off due to arrears.
PROGRAM RULES
-
Funds will be provided in the form of a grant and can be accessed:
- One time only for Utility Bank
- Once every two(2) years for Rent Bank
-
The maximum grant amount for each approved household is as follows:
- Rent Bank - not to exceed up to two times (2x) the average market rent for our Service Manager area as set by the Ministry time to time;
- Utility bank - $750.00 per applicant household.
ELIGIBILITY
- Families, Singles, Seniors and Special Need households are eligible to apply.
- Applicants must be Canadian Citizens, Landed Immigrants or Refugee Claimants — proof is required.
- Applicants receiving social assistance (OW, ODSP) and/or subsidized housing (RGI assistance) are eligible to apply.
- Applicants must be residents of the County of Frontenac or the City of Kingston.
- Your housing must be affordable, permanent, and habitable.
- You must be under the threat of eviction or of having your energy source(s) turned off — proof is required.
- All other financial resources, (savings or other funds, social services, and other community funding sources) must be exhausted.
- Your household income cannot exceed the following:
|
Household Income Limits |
|
|---|---|
|
Family Size |
Income Limit |
|
1 Person |
$26,500 |
|
2 People |
$32,000 |
|
3 People |
$35,000 |
|
4 People |
$41,000 |
APPLICATION PROCESS
- All applicants must complete a written application form available from the Service Agencies listed on the back of this pamphlet and provide supporting information and documentation as required.
- Applicants living in North, Central, and South Frontenac Townships will apply to the Southern Frontenac Community Services Corporation for assistance.
- Applicants living within the Municipal boundaries of the City of Kingston and the Frontenac Islands will apply to the Salvation Army, Community and Family Services, City of Kingston Branch, for assistance.
- All applicants must sign a Release of Information as part of the Application Form.
- Referrals from all local agencies will be considered.
GENERAL COMMENTS
Applicants must provide supporting documentation, including proof of citizenship, household composition, proof of income, and verification of the Applicant's relationship to the landlord (if applicable) and a copy of the eviction or threat of eviction notice and/or other applicable documentation to assist in the evaluation of the Applicant's eligibility for assistance.
Agency Staff will verify the information provided by the Applicant within two working days of all the information and supporting documentation being provided. Agency Staff may negotiate with Landlords and/or Utility Companies on behalf of the Applicant.
Where an application for assistance is declined, Applicants may request an Internal Review in writing within 10 business days of the decision being communicated to the Applicant.
All cheques and payments will be issued to the Landlord, or the Utility Company.
VERIFICATION AND DOCUMENTATION WHICH MAY BE REQUIRED
- Employment Statements (stubs)
- Ontario Works Statement (OW)
- Employment Insurance Statement (E.I.)
- Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
- Old Age Security Pension (OAS)
- Ontario Disability and Support Program Statement (ODSP)
- Any other Pension Statements or Sources of Income
- Federal/Provincial Child Tax Credit
- OSAP Information
- Child Support Payments
- Utility Bills (Electricity, Gas, Oil, Water/Sewer etc.)
- Rent Receipt or Mortgage Statement
- Property tax statement
- Eviction Notice
- Proof of Citizenship - i.e. Birth Certificate, SIN card, etc.
- Letter/Notice or bills from Utility Company
SERVICE AGENCY LOCATIONS
City of Kingston:
Salvation Army, Community and Family Services
342 Patrick Street
Kingston, ON
K7K 6R6
Phone: 613-548-4411
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Frontenac County:
Southern Frontenac Community & Family Services Corporation
4419 George Street, PO Box 43
Sydenham, ON
K0H 2T0
Phone: 613-372-2753 or 613-376-6477
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
