Additional Home Owner Grant

In addition to the basic grant, the additional grant can reduce your property tax by a further $275, for a total of up to $845. However, it cannot reduce the amount payable to below $100. This minimum amount payable ensures all homeowners (or eligible occupants, which includes an eligible occupant of an eligible apartment, housing unit, land cooperative or multi-dwelling leased parcel) contribute towards the funding of local services such as road maintenance and police protection.

For 2009, the additional grant will be reduced by $5 for each $1,000 of assessed value over $1,050,000. It is eliminated on homes assessed at $1,219,000 or more.

Continuing from the 2007 tax year, if you meet the eligibility criteria (below) for the additional grant and you meet the new low-income criteria, you may qualify even if your home is assessed above $1,050,000.  This measure ensures low-income seniors and other qualified individuals who own and live in properties that have increased in value beyond the threshold, but may face financial hardship, receive some or all of the Home Owner Grant. Applications must be made directly to the Ministry of Small Business and Revenue, Home Owner Grant Administration Office.

To be eligible for the additional grant, you must meet the criteria for the basic grant, plus one of the following:

	You are 65 or older. If your home is jointly owned, only one owner must be 65 to qualify. The qualifier's birth date and signature must be included on the application
	You receive a disability allowance under the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act. You must provide a Consent for Release of Information form, signed by you and your Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance representative, verifying you are receiving these benefits.
	You are permanently disabled or you have a disabled spouse or relative residing with you permanently. A signed medical certificate (Form B) completed by your physician must be attached to the grant application, along with the photocopies of receipts supporting the costs incurred as identified in section B(i) and (ii) of the Form B. Note: Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits do not qualify.
	You are a veteran or spouse of a veteran who served in World War I, World War II or the Korean War, receiving an allowance under the War Veterans Allowance Act (Canada) or the Civilian War-related Benefits Act (Canada). Veterans must attach a confirmation letter from Veterans Affairs Canada to the application. Surviving spouses of deceased veterans who received either allowance at the time of death also qualify.

If you are applying for the additional grant, you do not need to apply separately for the basic grant. The two amounts will be calculated together.

Types of grants: