For many older homeowners, their house may be paid off but the bills just keep piling up. Everything from emergency repairs, heating, electricity and water bills – not to mention the ever-increasing property taxes – can put a serious squeeze on the already-tight budget of those trying to get by on a fixed income.

And when the costs of maintaining a home begin to outpace the money coming in, staying put – in the homes they cherish, in the neighbourhoods they know, close to the people they love and services they trust – can become a financial challenge.

The good news? Depending on where they live and how much they earn, older homeowners may qualify for provincial property tax-relief programs that can help make ends meet. Some of these initiatives offer direct grants or savings, while others allow eligible homeowners to defer their property taxes until a later date, often when they do decide to sell their homes.

Our province-by-province and territorial guide breaks down the programs available and how to find out if you qualify. It’s important to note that benefits, eligibility rules and application deadlines are subject to change so it makes sense to confirm the current rules with the relevant government before applying. Tax deferral programs are loans or postponed payments, not grants, and may accrue interest. Also, many municipalities across the country offer their own property tax relief programs – you can find information for these on your city’s website.

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Home Owner Grant for Seniors

  • Benefit: Effective January 1, 2027, the regular grant amount is $570. An additional grant amount of $200 for northern and rural properties was introduced as part of the home owner grant program.
  • Eligibility: Homeowners aged 65 or older who occupy their principal residence, subject to property-value and other requirements.
  • Apply: Annually after receiving your municipal property tax notice.
  • Visit: B.C. Home Owner Grant

 

 

 

ALBERTA

Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program

  • Benefit: Eligible senior homeowners can voluntarily defer all or part of their residential property taxes, including the education tax portion, through a low-interest home equity loan with the Government of Alberta.
  • Eligibility: Albertans aged 65 or older who own their principal residence and have at least 25 per cent equity. There is no income test.
  • Visit: Alberta Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program

 

 

 

SASKATCHEWAN

Seniors Education Property Tax Deferral Program

  • Benefit: This program helps seniors with their costs of living by providing a repayable loan for the education property taxes on their home.
  • Eligibility: Homeowners aged 65 or older with household income below $70,000 and at least 25 per cent home equity, subject to other conditions.
  • Visit: Seniors Education Property Tax Deferral Program

 

 

 

MANITOBA

Homeowners Affordability Tax Credit

  • Benefit: Up to $1,600 for the 2026 tax year. For 2027, the maximum amount will increase to $1,700.
  • Eligibility: Owners of an eligible Manitoba principal residence.
  • Apply: The credit may appear on your municipal tax bill automatically if you previously qualified and ownership has not changed. Otherwise, contact your municipality or claim the credit through your tax return, where applicable.
  • Visit: Homeowners Affordability Tax Credit

 

 

 

ONTARIO

Senior Homeowners’ Property Tax Grant

  • Benefit: Up to $500 annually.
  • Eligibility: Ontario residents aged 64 or older who own and occupy their principal residence. The grant is income-tested, with the maximum available to single applicants earning $35,000 or less and couples earning $45,000 or less.
  • Apply: Through your annual income tax return using Form ON-BEN.
  • Visit: Ontario Senior Homeowners’ Property Tax Grant

 

 

 

QUEBEC

Grant for Seniors to Offset a Municipal Tax Increase

  • Benefit: A grant is available to offset a municipal tax increase brought about by a significant increase in the value of your residence.
  • Eligibility: Homeowners aged 65 or older who have owned their principal residence for at least 15 consecutive years. Income and property-value conditions apply.
  • Apply: Claim the eligible amount on your Quebec income tax return.
  • Visit: Grant for Seniors to Offset a Municipal Tax Increase

 

 

 

NEW BRUNSWICK

Property Tax Allowance and Seniors’ Deferral Program

  • Benefit: The Property Tax Allowance provides eligible low-income homeowners with an annual rebate of up to $300. Through the Seniors’ Deferral Program, you may be able to defer the increase in your annual property taxes on your primary residence.
  • Eligibility: Depends on household income, age, principal residence and other program conditions.
  • Visit: Property Tax Allowance or Property Tax Deferral Program for Seniors

 

 

 

NOVA SCOTIA

Property Tax Rebate for Seniors

  • Benefit: A rebate of 50 per cent of eligible municipal residential property taxes paid in the previous year, up to $800.
  • Eligibility: Homeowners aged 65 or older, or certain people aged 60 to 64, who receive or qualify for the federal Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) or Allowance.
  • Deadline: December 31.
  • Visit: Property Tax Rebate for Seniors

 

 

 

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program

  • Benefit: Eligible seniors can defer property taxes on their principal residence, with no interest charged on the deferred balance.
  • Eligibility: Homeowners aged 65 or older who meet residency and household income requirements, including an income limit of less than $42,000.
  • Repayment: Generally due when the property is sold or the owner dies.
  • Visit: Property Tax Deferral Program for Senior Citizens

 

 

 

NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR

Seniors’ Benefit and Municipal Tax Relief

  • Benefit: This program offers refundable tax credits (up to $1,882) that may be paid to low-income individuals, seniors and families.
  • Eligibility: The provincial benefit is income-tested. Municipal tax deferrals or reductions have separate local requirements.
  • Apply: The provincial benefit is calculated through your annual income tax return; contact your municipality about property tax relief.
  • Visit: Seniors’ Benefit

 

– TERRITORIAL PROGRAMS –

 

NUNAVIT

Senior Citizens and People with Disabilities Property Tax Relief

  • Benefit: Disabled persons and senior citizens may apply for property tax relief.
  • Eligibility: Homeowners aged 65 or older, or qualifying people with disabilities, who occupy their principal residence for at least 184 days a year.
  • Apply: Annually using the property tax relief application. Iqaluit residents apply through the city; residents elsewhere apply through the territorial government.
  • Visit: Senior Citizens And People With Disabilities Property Tax Relief 

 

 

 

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

Seniors and Disabled Persons Property Tax Relief

  • Benefit: Up to 100 per cent property tax relief in the General Taxation Area. Relief in municipalities varies.
  • Eligibility: Qualifying homeowners aged 65 or older, or people with disabilities, who occupy the property.
  • Apply: Annually through the territorial government outside municipalities, or through your local government within a municipality.
  • Visit: Seniors and Disabled Persons Property Tax Relief
     

 

 

 

YUKON

Seniors’ Property Tax Deferment

  • Benefit: Program allows you to postpone paying your property taxes. You can defer up to 75% of the assessed value of your home. You can defer all or part of your home’s annual property taxes minus the Home Owners Grant for the current or subsequent taxation year.
  • Eligibility: Qualifying homeowners must be aged 65 or older and must own and live in their own home
  • Apply: the Property Assessment and Taxation office or a Territorial Agent to get an application. Email: assessment.taxation@yukon.ca
  • Visit: Seniors’ Property Tax Deferment
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