GNWT changes housing repair policies for seniors

The NWT Housing Corporation has loosened rules for seniors trying to access its housing repair programming.

Changes announced on Wednesday remove the need for home insurance and formal land tenure, and the GNWT will now only assess the incomes of seniors who own their homes.

“These changes will put an end to situations where seniors cannot access assistance for repairs in smaller communities and allow them to remain in their homes and communities, where they are surrounded by the support of their families and friends,” said housing minister Paulie Chinna.

Previously, the territory assessed the income of all income-earners in the household.

Now, only the income of the applicant and co-applicant will be considered.

Home insurance and land tenure are difficult to get in some communities. From now on, all residents – including seniors – in smaller communities can access home repair programs without either.

The NWT Housing Corporation said it would continue to help people to get home insurance and land tenure, to ensure their homes are protected.

Residents in Fort Simpson, Fort Smith, Inuvik, Hay River, Norman Wells and Yellowknife are still required to have land tenure and insurance when applying for the major stream of the Contributing Assistance for Repairs and Enhancement program.

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