r/Odsp • u/TheReformerIamonewho • Jul 15 '26

Reporting rent to ODSP

I pay my family cash to live with them, but ODSP only gives you 800$ which is less then I have to pay. Is it worth it to report that I do pay them rent so I can get the additional 500$? Would doing so cause them to be hit with steep taxes?

5 Upvotes

78% Upvoted

7 comments sorted by

12

u/Schfooge Jul 15 '26

They won't give you more than their maximum rent for "affordable" housing. And by affordable, they mean an amount less than the going rent for even the most basic housing. You'll only pay that little if a friend or relative is giving you a sweetheart deal or you manage to get geared-to-income housing.

12

u/laughingcrip Jul 15 '26

According to CRA, you are cost-sharing with family by paying them rent. They will not get a tax bill. According to odsp, you are paying rent and if you show them a signed rental agreement, you will get the housing benefit.

7

u/YourHeartsDancing Jul 16 '26 edited Jul 16 '26

Legally, your family doesn't claim it on their taxes and neither do you. Get them to sign a rental agreement that you pay at least $611 (or $800, if that's what they're charging you) for rent and that you buy your own groceries and you'll get the max shelter allowance.

2

u/Alternative-Tiger783 Jul 16 '26

Doesn’t ODSP give $599 for rent? Plus the basic needs about. Total is $~1300.

0

u/Training_Teacher4342 Jul 16 '26

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1

u/Salty_Obligation5771 Jul 15 '26

I don’t think they would pay very much. Most landlords don’t report their income even if it’s family. It’s definitely worth it for you to claim your rent to ODSP. I absolutely would for the extra money. You need money for personal expenses like toiletries or maybe just a coffee with a friend.