Financial assistance from the Société d’habitation du Québec

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At Plan Maison Québec, we understand that building or renovating a house, cottage, or garage is a major life project, often accompanied by numerous challenges, particularly financial ones. Fortunately, the Société d’habitation du Québec (SHQ) offers Quebecers a wide range of financial assistance programs.

These initiatives aim to promote access to quality housing, support the renovation of existing residential buildings, and meet specific needs, particularly those of people with reduced mobility or low-income households. These are essential levers for Quebec families wishing to improve their living environment without compromising their financial stability.

In this comprehensive guide prepared by Plan Maison Québec, we provide a detailed overview of these financial assistance programs, their eligibility criteria, and the concrete benefits they can offer to your real estate project.

1. RénoRégion: a program focused on the revitalization of housing in rural areas

2. Home Adaptation Program (PAD): promoting independence in the comfort of home

3. Housing allowance: monthly support to reduce housing costs

4. Rent supplement: a solution for accessing private market housing

5. Shelter Improvement Program (PAMH): safety and dignity for the most vulnerable

6. Small accessible establishments (PEA): for inclusive living environments

   
   

RénoRégion: a program focused on the revitalization of housing in rural areas

The RénoRégion program was established to support owner-occupants of primary residences located in rural areas, particularly in municipalities with 15,000 inhabitants or fewer, or in areas not served by water or sewer services.

This program aims to provide substantial financial assistance for major renovations essential to maintaining the health, safety, and durability of homes. This includes complex and costly repairs such as replacing a damaged roof, correcting a cracked foundation, upgrading an outdated electrical system, or significantly improving thermal insulation to ensure the building's energy efficiency.

Example of a rural area

The objective is clear: to enable families to continue living in safe and comfortable housing while contributing to the revitalization of rural housing. To be eligible, homeowners must meet strict income criteria defined by the SHQ, based on the number of people living in the household. The minimum cost of eligible work must be $3,500, and financial assistance can cover up to 95% of eligible expenses, up to a maximum of $20,000.

In certain situations, particularly for very low-income households, the amount can be increased to $25,000. This program is therefore a real breath of fresh air for homeowners wishing to renovate their homes without having to go into excessive debt.

Home Adaptation Program (PAD): promoting independence in the comfort of home

The Home Adaptation Program (PAD) aims to improve accessibility and independence for people with disabilities in their homes. It aims to fund the work necessary to adapt the home to the functional limitations of a person living with a physical or intellectual disability.

This may include installing access ramps, converting a bathroom to accommodate a curbside shower, widening door frames to accommodate wheelchair access, or automating certain home functions such as door openings or lighting controls.

Before receiving this grant, an occupational therapist must assess the situation and recommend specific adaptations based on the individual's specific needs. These recommendations are used to establish a certificate of eligibility issued by the SHQ. The maximum financial assistance can be up to $50,000, depending on the nature of the work and its necessity.

Your home, your comfort

This program plays a fundamental role in keeping people with disabilities at home, allowing them to live in a suitable, safe and dignified living space, while reducing the financial burden on those around them. Plan Maison Québec takes these requirements into account when designing its plans to offer projects adapted to everyone.

Housing allowance: monthly support to reduce housing costs

The Housing Allowance provides valuable assistance to low-income households—whether they are renters, homeowners, or unleased occupants—by providing them with a monthly amount to reduce the proportion of their income spent on housing costs. This assistance is available to individuals aged 50 and over living alone or as a couple, to families with at least one dependent child, as well as to individuals in special circumstances, such as caregivers or those in precarious situations.

One of the major advantages of this program lies in its simplicity: the amount of assistance, up to $170 per month, is determined based on household composition, annual family income, and housing costs. By providing this assistance, the Government of Quebec aims to ensure a minimum level of residential security for vulnerable households, allowing them to devote a fairer share of their budget to other essential needs such as health, food, and education. At Plan Maison Québec, we understand the importance of designing homes that meet the financial realities of Quebec families. With our expertise, we help you optimize your project while taking into account the programs for which you may be eligible.

What is your budget?

Rent supplement: a solution for accessing private market housing

The Rent Supplement program allows low-income households to access private rental housing while paying only 25% of their gross annual income. This is an important tool in combating residential exclusion, particularly in areas where affordable housing is scarce. Through this program, tenants can benefit from better-quality housing in areas that were previously financially inaccessible.

This supplement is offered through partnerships between the SHQ, municipalities, and municipal housing offices. The housing must meet certain standards and be located in an eligible building. A complete assessment of the household's file is conducted to ensure that the recipient meets the required income and family composition requirements.

This approach provides vulnerable households with access to stable and secure housing, which is essential for individual and family development. For an owner considering a rental conversion or an extension with accommodation, Plan Maison Québec can integrate this type of project from the design of the plans, taking into account the program standards.

What is your project?

Shelter Improvement Program (PAMH): safety and dignity for the most vulnerable

The Shelter Improvement Program (PAMH) aims to support organizations that house women who are victims of domestic violence, young adults in crisis, or other vulnerable groups. This program provides funding for major renovations that improve not only the quality of buildings but also the quality of life of residents. This includes structural interventions such as upgrading heating systems, creating additional rooms, expanding common areas, and improving the physical security of the premises.

This program, administered in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Social Services, is primarily aimed at recognized community shelters. It provides essential support for maintaining and improving the provision of temporary or transitional housing in Quebec. As experts in the design of residential and semi-collective buildings, Plan Maison Québec can contribute to these social projects by developing customized plans that meet the required accessibility, safety, and energy efficiency standards.

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Small accessible establishments (PEA): for inclusive living environments

The Small Accessible Establishments (PEA) program aims to improve the accessibility of small commercial, community, or social establishments. It allows for specific work to be carried out to remove architectural barriers that prevent people with reduced mobility from accessing these spaces. Eligible work includes the installation of ramps, automatic doors, elevators, and adapted bathrooms. The goal is to promote social participation and inclusion for all clients, regardless of their physical condition.

Eligible establishments are often located in older or heritage buildings, where modifications are costly and complex. The program can provide up to $25,000 per project, which represents significant assistance for non-profit organizations, small businesses, or community centers. Although this program does not directly concern residential construction, it illustrates the Quebec government's commitment to universal accessibility, a value shared by Plan Maison Québec in the design of all its residential plans, including those for custom garages and chalets.

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Conclusion: Make your project a success with Plan Maison Québec

The financial assistance programs offered by the Société d’habitation du Québec are powerful tools to make your residential projects more accessible, more humane, and better adapted to your reality. Whether you live in a rural area, are planning to renovate an old building, or want to build a new family home, these programs are designed to support you.

At Plan Maison Québec, our team of architectural technicians will assist you from the very beginning of your project. We help you design custom plans that not only meet your tastes and needs, but also the technical criteria required to obtain SHQ grants.

Don’t wait any longer to make your ideas a reality:

Contact our team and bring your project to life