Frequently Asked Questions - Deceased Owner

Questions:

	When a property owner dies, can someone else claim the grant? For how many years?
	My common-law partner died. Can I claim the grant as I still live on the property?
	My mother died in May and her house is now vacant. Why isn't the estate entitled to a percentage of the grant this year?

Answers:

A spouse or relative also living on the property (as their principal residence) can claim the grant for as long as the property remains registered in the deceased owner's name or that of the estate, or in the name of the spouse or relative.

The surviving spouse or relative can claim the additional grant in the year of the owner's death if the deceased owner was entitled to the grant at the time of death.

For subsequent years, the surviving spouse or relative can claim the additional grant only if he/she qualifies for it.

Yes, provided you maintained common-law status for at least two year's prior to your partner's death. "Spouse" under the Home Owner Grant Act includes
common-law and same-sex partners if the partners have been living together continuously for at least two years.

The grant is not given on a pro-rated basis. The purpose of the grant is to benefit the owner living in the home. In this case, the executor/executrix acts for the estate and therefore for the beneficiaries, not the deceased owner or occupant.