Category Archives: Housing

Lunch and Learn – Housemates

Housing, Presentations / Workshops

Join DSO Housing Navigators for a virtual presentation on housemates.

Housemates: we are looking for your feedback!

Are you actively searching for a housemate or considering living with a housemate? Where and how are you making connections? What has worked for you so far?

Join DSO Housing Navigators for a short presentation followed by an interactive discussion.

Topics covered will include:

  • The benefits of having a housemate and factors that can impact matching
  • Tools and tips for finding a housemate

Organizer: dsohousing@dsoer.ca, info@dsontario.ca

Reminder! Tax Season is Upon Us

Housing, Resources

The Housing Navigators at Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) want to remind you that the tax season started on Monday February 19, 2024. They are sharing the following information to help you.

You can now file your taxes for the 2023 tax year.

This is a timely reminder for those on the social housing registry (waitlist for Rent Geared to Income – RGI) to review and if needed, update your file, and upload your new Notice of Assessment – NOA (the document Canada Revenue Agency – CRA provides after you file your taxes each year).

You will also need to file your taxes if you are currently living in subsidized housing/Rent Geared to Income housing; or if you are receiving the Canada Ontario Housing Benefit – COHB (you will also have to renew your COHB between May and June 2024, to continue to be eligible for the COHB, your taxes must be filed).

Read the What to Know and Prepare for Tax Season document for information and tips from the Government of Canada.

Who is obligated or required to file taxes in Canada, depends on a person’s situation. If you are unsure if you need to file a tax return, more information can be found on the Government of Canada website.

Even if you are not required to file a tax return, here are some of the reasons it might be in your best interest to do so anyway. When filing taxes you can:

  • Apply for refundable tax credits, which are payable to you even if you have low earnings and have paid no tax.
  • Establish your eligibility, or continued eligibility, for provincial benefit programs. See the Government Programs, Benefits and Services information for your province
  • Apply for the GST/HST credit – If you are 18 years of age or older, you should file a tax return even if you have no income, in order to apply for the GST credit. You must be 19 to receive the credit, but if you will turn 19 before April 1 of the following year, you should apply now so that you will receive your first GST payment as soon as possible after you turn 19.
  • Claim the Disability Tax Credit – DTC – The disability tax credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit that helps people with disabilities, or their supporting family member, reduce the amount of income tax they may have to pay. If you haven’t already applied for the Disability Tax Credit, more information can be found here.
  • Apply for the Ontario Trillium Benefit – this program assists low-income people with energy costs, sales tax, and property tax. To apply, complete the ON-BEN application for the Ontario Trillium Benefit when completing your taxes.
  • Apply to receive the Climate Action Incentive.
  • Renew eligibility for the GIS (Guaranteed Income Supplement) – this supplement is for seniors. Filing of your annual income tax return automatically renews the GIS for those who are eligible.

If you need help filing your taxes, you may be able to access a free tax clinic.