Housing Supports
Emergency Repair Program
Contact Us
For more information contact the Housing Loans Officer
Call 905-546-2424 ext. 2758 or
Email [email protected]
The Emergency Repair Program (ERP) is open to Ontario Works (OW) and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) homeowners to fund serious and urgent repairs that would jeopardize the condition of the home to the point that it would adversely affect the household’s health and safety.
The Emergency Repair Program is provided in the form of a grant up to the amount of $5,000.
Funding for the program is limited and applications will be reviewed on a “first come, first serve basis” until funding is exhausted. Incomplete applications will not be considered for program funding.
Eligibility
- You must be current recipients of Ontario Works (OW) or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
- You must own a home in Hamilton that is their sole and principal residence with a Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) Tax Assessment valued at or below $330,000
- You must have confirmation of home insurance and be able to prove they have exhausted all insurance(s) and funding sources as a remedy for the emergency prior to applying to this program
- Your property must be registered in your name(s) and mortgage, property taxes, and utilities must be up-to-date
Eligible repairs include:
- heating systems that are no longer working or that have been deemed too dangerous to operate (by a licensed gas-fitter or other similarly authorized professional
- patching a roof
- electrical systems
- plumbing systems
- owned water heater repairs
- damage which compromises the security of the home/inhabitants
- foundation repairs
- chimney repairs
- accessibility (repairs to existing accessibility modifications only)
Ineligible repairs include, but are not limited to:
- renovations to increase energy efficiency
- accessibility modifications
- renovations for aesthetic purposes only
- additions or creation of secondary suites
- preventative maintenance
- the cost of a new home foundation
- work done before program approval is given
- the cost of a new furnace except where the City is satisfied that the existing furnace is unsafe
- additions or upgrades to a home not considered emergency repairs
- the cost of materials for insulation
- the portion of costs exceeding $5000
All repairs must be carried out by a contractor licensed by the City of Hamilton.
How to apply for the
Emergency Repair Program
- Contact at least two licensed and unrelated repair contractors to provide a written detailed quote for your repair.
- Complete and return the Emergency Repair Program (ERP) Application and your supporting material and documentation to:
City of Hamilton - Housing Services Division
350 King Street East, Suite 110 Hamilton, ON L8N 3Y3
ATTENTION: Loans Officer - If you are found eligible for the program, you will be requested to meet with the program administrator where you will be issued:
- A promissory/eligibility letter
- A liability waiver releasing the City of any responsibility of the transactions and services between the program participant and the contractor
- A Letter of Work Satisfaction Sign-off
- After the meeting, you can contact the contractor to arrange for the repairs to be completed.
- Once the repairs are complete, sign and return the Letter of Satisfaction and a detailed invoice from the Contractor within three business days of having the work completed to receive payment.
Date modified