Seniors Housing Services

Housing options shift to support our changing needs as we age. On this page is a description of services that enable aging at home and other more intensive supports. The Toronto Seniors Helpline (416-217-2077) or 211 can also help connect seniors to agencies and community services. The City also provides information if you are a tenant with questions or concerns about your rental unit or looking to avoid eviction.

Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) or subsidized housing is a housing subsidy or benefit offered by the City of Toronto to make rent affordable for households. Learn more by visiting the Rent-Geared-to-Income page.

Please note, the number of people needing subsidized housing is greater than the number of available. As a result, it can take years for an applicant to get housed. Persons who are 59 years old can apply to get on the waiting list for seniors’ buildings. Persons who already have an application on file with Access to Housing can update it to “Senior” when they turn 59 years of age.

If you are looking for seniors-specific housing at a market rent (not subsidized), you can:

  • Contact 2-1-1 to connect with a Housing Help Centre to find affordable market rent housing in the private market.
  • Co-operative Housing Federation of Toronto – A co-operative association consisting of member housing co-ops and associated organizations in the Durham, Toronto and York Regions.
  • Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association – Co-op and non-profit housing providers may offer affordable market rent housing. These units are not subsidized. Some housing providers serve Indigenous seniors, seniors from specific ethno-cultural and linguistic communities or seniors who have accessibility needs.
  • Life Lease Housing – Find information about buying a long-term lease interest in a seniors’ residence.
  • Toronto HomeShare – Seniors with a spare room to rent at a reduced rate are matched with university or college students in exchange for up to seven hours of companionship and/or help completing light household tasks such as preparing and sharing meals, tidying up, carrying groceries or walking a pet.

Financial Help Finder

Explore programs, benefits, and subsidies that can help Toronto residents with the cost of living. Create a customized list and print a record of your selections. Explore financial support programs.

Utility and Property Resources

  • Property Tax, Solid Waste, and Water Bill Relief and Rebate Programs – Eligible Toronto seniors living on a low income or persons with a disability can apply for help to keep and stay in their own home. These include the Property Tax Increase Cancellation Program, the Property Tax Increase Deferral Program, the Water Rebate Program, and the Solid Waste Rebate Program.
  • Ontario Senior Homeowners’ Property Tax Grant – Eligible seniors aged 64+ living on a low-to-moderate income can apply for a grant of up to $500 per year towards their property taxes. Individuals can apply each year by completing the ON-BEN form as part of their income tax return.
  • Emergency Energy Fund – Toronto residents living on a low income and who are not receiving Ontario Works (OW) or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) can apply for help with hydro, gas or oil-related emergencies (reconnect service, prevent disconnection, or to pay bills that are past-due). Applications are accepted through the Neighbourhood Information Post at 647-727-8988. OW and ODSP recipients can speak to their caseworker about benefits that may be available to them.

Energy Assistance Programs

Call 211 to find a Housing Help Centre or contact the following providers directly to ask about programs for households living on a low income, help with winter-proofing a home or other initiatives to save money and energy:

Retirement Homes

Find a list at the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority (RHRA). Retirement homes provide private rental housing units for seniors. Many offer on-site services such as meal plans, social activities, housekeeping, laundry, and supportive services for a fee. These are not funded by government, so each person is responsible for the full cost of their housing and care.

Long-Term Care

An Ontario Health atHome Care Coordinator will determine a person’s eligibility and care needs, and discuss costs and the application process. Each person can apply for up to five licensed homes that are operated by municipal, for-profit, and not-for-profit operators. Some offer culturally-specific care. If a person does not have enough income to pay for a basic room, they may qualify for a subsidy through the Long-Term Care Home Rate Reduction Program. The long-term care home will help a resident apply every year. Long-term care homes provide 24-hour nursing and personal care, all meals, help with daily activities, and programming.

The City of Toronto provides support and information to residents in rental units who are at risk of losing their home and being evicted and operates shelters which can support the needs of older adults. 

Persons who are going to be homeless can call Central Intake to find out if there is a bed available that day. Please be aware that space is limited. The City’s Islington Seniors’ Shelter and Scarborough Village Residence specifically serve older adults.

Haven Toronto (formerly The Good Neighbours Club) is a drop-in centre specifically for homeless men aged 50+. Find meals, shower and laundry facilities, barber services, counselling and crisis support, housing support, nursing and dental hygiene services, emergency clothing and computer access.

You can also find more information about health supports and home care help to stay at home and age in place or specialized services for Indigenous seniors and Elders, Black seniors, seniors from diverse communities and newcomers, 2SLGBTQI+ seniors, Francophones, seniors living with a disability and veterans.