For most Canadians, home isn’t just a building — it’s where memories were made, routines were built, and where retirement was meant to be lived. A 2025 HOOPP Canadian Retirement Study found that 62% of Canadians aged 55 to 64 plan to live at home by themselves in early retirement. Yet for many, the costs of maintaining and adapting a home on a fixed income can make staying put feel uncertain.
The good news is that you likely have more support available than you realize. To encourage and support homeowners to live independently and stay in their homes, provincial governments across Canada provide grants and loans to homeowners who need to make repairs, renovations, or modifications that will make their homes safer or more accessible.
This guide walks through the key federal and provincial programs available to Canadian homeowners — so you know where to look and what you may qualify for.
Are You Eligible for Government Grants?
Eligibility varies by program, but most share two common criteria:
- Age: Most government grants for home renovations are typically tailored to benefit applicants with low to moderate incomes. While most provinces set the minimum age at 65, some programs begin at 55.
- Income: Your individual or household income is typically assessed to confirm you meet a “low to moderate income” threshold, which differs by province and program.
If you are a Veteran or a First Nations member, additional incentives may also apply. Always check the specific qualifying criteria for each program on your provincial government’s website.
Home Adaptation and Repair Grants
If you’d like to stay in your home but need help covering the cost of repairs or modifications, there are provincial programs designed to help.
Ontario — The Ontario Renovates Program provides a 10-year forgivable loan of up to $15,000 for repairs and a $5,000 grant exclusively for accessibility modifications for low-income homeowners.
British Columbia — The BC Rebate for Accessible Home Adaptations (BC RAHA) provides rebates of up to a one-time maximum of $20,000. To be eligible, applicants must have a before-tax household income of less than $134,140 and household assets of less than $100,000. BC also offers the Seniors’ Home Renovation Tax Credit, which allows homeowners to receive 10% of qualifying renovation expenses as a tax credit, up to $1,000.
Alberta — The Seniors Home Adaptation and Repair Program (SHARP) allows eligible homeowners to obtain a low-interest home equity loan of up to $40,000 to fund renovations, adaptations, or repairs. Applicants must earn $75,000 or less annually and be at least 65 years old.
Manitoba — The Safe and Healthy Home for Seniors Program helps cover the cost of home accessibility and safety upgrades. The maximum funding is up to $5,000 every three years, to a lifetime maximum of $15,000, for applicants earning $60,000 or less per year.
New Brunswick — The Homeowner Repair Program offers a forgivable loan of up to $5,000 for households that need essential adaptations. The Seniors Minor Home Repair Grant also provides a one-time non-payable amount of up to $1,500 for minor repairs.
Newfoundland and Labrador — The Home Modification Program (HMP) offers an affordable loan of up to $7,500 or a repayable loan of up to $13,000 to low-to-moderate-income homeowners.
Nova Scotia — The Seniors Care Grant offers a grant of up to $750 to help homeowners who want to remain at home but cannot afford necessary health and safety-related repairs. Applicants or their spouses must be at least 65 years old.
Federal Programs Available Across Canada
In addition to provincial programs, the federal government offers several tax credits and incentive programs available to homeowners regardless of province.
Home Accessibility Tax Credit — A tax credit for homeowners making a home accessible. It applies to eligible homes and eligible renovation expenses.
Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit — A credit of up to $7,500 to assist with the cost of renovating a residence to establish a secondary unit.
Canada Greener Homes Initiative — Provides financing and grants to create energy-efficient homes and support climate-conscious upgrades.
These programs are available through the Canada Revenue Agency and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). You can review a full list of available programs through the Government of Canada’s Housing Benefits page or use the Benefits Finder tool to identify programs specific to your situation.
Property Tax Credits and Deferrals
Beyond repairs and renovations, several provinces offer property tax relief for homeowners who qualify.
- Quebec offers a 20% refundable tax credit through the Independent Living Tax Credit for the purchase, lease, or installation of fixtures at your home. If you’ve owned your home for over 15 years, you may also qualify for the Grant to Offset a Municipal Tax Increase.
- Saskatchewan homeowners may be able to defer all or part of their property taxes through the Property Tax Deferral Program.
- New Brunswick’s Home Renovation Tax Credit is a refundable personal income tax credit for home improvement expenses related to safety or accessibility.
- Similar deferral and credit programs are available in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, and the Northwest Territories.
Energy Efficiency Programs
Reducing the cost of keeping your home warm and functional is another area where provincial programs can help.
Prince Edward Island — The Seniors Independence Initiative provides financial assistance toward essential services including housekeeping, snow removal, and meal preparation, with eligible homeowners receiving up to $1,800 depending on income.
Many provinces also offer free home energy audits, efficiency upgrades, and insulation installation at no cost through utility or provincial programs. Check your provincial government’s website to see what’s available in your area.
Snow Removal Assistance
For homeowners who find snow removal physically challenging, several municipalities offer direct support:
- Halifax’s Snow Removal Program provides direct snow clearing assistance to eligible homeowners.
- Ottawa’s Snow Go Assist Program pays 50% of the cost of snow clearing, up to a seasonal maximum of $250 ($450 for rural areas). Applications are completed online.
- Kamloops’ Snow Angels program connects neighbourhood volunteers with residents who need snow removal help.
What If Government Grants Aren’t Enough?
Government grants and tax credits can be a meaningful help, but they don’t always cover everything — and many programs are limited to lower-income households. If you find yourself needing more financial flexibility to stay in your home comfortably, there’s another option worth knowing about.
A CHIP Reverse Mortgage from HomeEquity Bank is designed for Canadian homeowners 55+. It lets you access up to 55% of your home’s value as tax-free cash — with no monthly mortgage payments required for as long as you live in the home. Many homeowners use it for exactly the kinds of things discussed in this post: home renovations, accessibility upgrades, or covering day-to-day living costs — all while staying in the home they love.
Frequently Asked Questions
What government grants are available for Canadian homeowners who want to stay in their homes? Each province offers its own repair, adaptation, and tax relief programs for homeowners. Federal programs include the Home Accessibility Tax Credit, the Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit, and the Canada Greener Homes Initiative. Use the Benefits Finder tool on Canada.ca to find programs specific to your province and situation.
Do I have to be a low-income homeowner to qualify for home repair grants in Canada? Most programs are income-tested, meaning your household income must fall below a certain threshold. However, thresholds vary significantly by province and program, so it’s worth checking each one individually. Some tax credits, like BC’s Seniors’ Home Renovation Tax Credit, are available to a broader range of homeowners.
What is the Home Accessibility Tax Credit? The Home Accessibility Tax Credit is a federal tax credit available to Canadians who make eligible renovations to improve the accessibility of their principal residence. It can help offset the cost of modifications like grab bars, ramps, or wider doorways.
What if I don’t qualify for government grants but still need help staying in my home? If grants don’t fully cover your needs, a CHIP Reverse Mortgage may help. It allows eligible Canadian homeowners 55+ to access tax-free cash from their home equity — with no monthly payments required. Get your free estimate here.
Where can I find a complete list of Canadian government programs for homeowners? Visit the Federal Government website for federal programs, and your provincial government’s website for local programs. The Benefits Finder tool is also a helpful resource.
Ready to explore your options? If grants cover part of the picture but you’re looking for additional flexibility, find out how much tax-free cash you could qualify for with a CHIP Reverse Mortgage. Get your free estimate — no commitment required.
The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. Government grant programs, eligibility criteria, and funding amounts are subject to change. We encourage you to verify current details directly with your provincial or federal government before making any financial decisions. This blog does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice.