Financial Support for Homeowners

Energy-Related Emergency Help for Low-Income Homeowners

Low-income Toronto residents may qualify for help from the City of Toronto with energy-related emergencies.  The Emergency Energy Fund (EEF) can help to reconnect, prevent disconnection or to assist in the payment of energy arrears for hydro, gas or oil services.

Financial Help Paying Water and Tax Bills

You may qualify for the Property Tax and Water Relief Programs if you are a low income senior or a low-income person with a disability

Tax and Water Relief applicants can only submit applications for their principal residence. In order to verify, the City requires that applicants provide an un-altered copy of their Notice of Assessment (NOA) to establish eligibility for the City’s Tax and Water Relief Programs.

Other Financial Help to Pay Utility Bills

High utility bills may put low income homeowners and tenants at risk. The programs listed below may be able to provide financial help. For more details on eligibility and applying contact the program directly.

• Financial Assistance with Electricity Costs
• Ontario Electricity Support Program
• saveONenergy Home Assistance Program

Money for Energy Conservation Renovations - Ontario Works

Home Energy Conservation Costs

People on Ontario Works may receive a one-time payment of up to $50 to reimburse the cost of items such as:

• caulking
• sealing or weather-stripping for doors and windows
• insulation for hot water pipes and hot water tanks, and
• flow restrictors for shower heads.

How to Apply

This benefit is for people who are receiving Ontario Works Assistance. To apply for this one-time payment, please speak to your Ontario Works caseworker. You will need to provide proof that you pay for the specific utility and provide receipts for the energy conservation item(s). This benefit is only paid as a reimbursement.

Who Can Apply

To be eligible, you must receive Ontario Works and:

• be responsible for paying the bill for the specific utility
• not pay for these costs as part of your monthly rent, and
• provide receipts for the purchase of items that will help conserve the utilities you pay for (such as fuel, water, or electricity)

Money to Buy Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors - Ontario Works

Home Safety Costs

Homeowners receiving Ontario Works Assistance may receive a one-time payment to buy smoke alarms or carbon monoxide detectors.

The following costs can be reimbursed:

• up to $25 per family for a smoke alarm/smoke detector
• up to $50 per family for a carbon monoxide detector.

How to Apply

To apply please speak to your caseworker. You will need to provide receipts for the safety item(s). This benefit is only paid as a reimbursement.

Who Can Apply

To be eligible, you must receive Ontario Works, own your home and provide receipts for these items. (Landlords are responsible for providing smoke alarms/smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors for their rental units)

Toronto Renovates Homeowners Program

Due to insufficient provincial program funding, the Toronto Renovates Homeowners Program has been discontinued  and is not expected to be reactivated.

City staff are in the process of contacting those who have submitted applications to inform them of the program discontinuation.