The shelter allowance program is for low-income individuals and families who spend too much of their budget on housing. It is open to homeowners, tenants and boarders.

For the period from October 1, 2022, to September 30, 2023, the program provides $100, $150 or $170 in financial assistance per month.

How to receive the shelter allowance

If you would like to receive the shelter allowance, first see the eligibility requirements and guide LEX-165.G-V, Information Concerning the Shelter Allowance.

To apply, complete form LEX-165-V, Shelter Allowance Application.

Note that you may also need to complete form LEZ-14-V, Statement of Rent, if any of following situations apply to you:

• You are renting a room, an apartment or a house.
• You live in a mobile home on rented land.

Send the form(s) along with the documents listed in the Checklist (LEX‑170‑V) to us at the following address:

Revenu Québec
C. P. 6800. succursale Place-Desjardins
Montréal (Québec)  H5B 1J5

If you prefer to receive the forms by mail, call us at one of the following phone numbers:

• Montréal area: 514 940-1481
• Québec City area: 418 266-1016
• Elsewhere in Canada and the U.S.: 1 855 291-6467

Select option 9, then option 2.

You can call our client services Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Shelter allowance payments

Once we have received your complete application, we will pay the shelter allowance by cheque or direct deposit at the beginning of each month. If you want to receive your allowance by direct deposit, complete form LEZ-15-V, Request for Direct Deposit.

If you apply after October 1, 2022, your first shelter allowance payment will include the full amount you should have received up to that point.

Changes during the year

You must call us right away at one of the phone numbers listed above if, between the time you submit your application and September 30, 2023:

• you move into subsidized housing;
• you and your spouse separate;
• you leave Québec; or
• you are confined to a prison or similar institution.

How to view your shelter allowance file

You can use My Account for individuals to view your shelter allowance file, which includes the status of your shelter allowance application, the date and amount of your last payment and any notices of determination sent to you.

Funding for the shelter allowance program

Funding for the program is shared between the Société d'habitation du Québec (SHQ) and the Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation.

The SHQ has entrusted us to manage the program. Contacting us is the fastest and most efficient way to get information or to receive the allowance.