Energy forecasters are predicting higher prices for home heating this winter. If your income
qualifies, you can get help from several programs run by the province and the Salvation Army.http://www.novascotia.ca/heatinghelphttp://www.novascotia.ca/heatinghelp
HARP (Heating Assistance Rebate Program)
The provincial program is HARP, which provides a rebate of up to $200 to low-income Nova
Scotians who pay for their own heat. Rebates go to roughly 45,000 eligible Nova Scotians. The
income threshold to qualify for the program is $29,000 for single-income households and
$44,000 for family-income households. The program runs through March 31, 2022.
You can download an application at http://www.novascotia.ca/heatinghelp, or contact Access
Nova Scotia, Community Services, and MLA offices.
The HEAT Fund
The Salvation Army administers the Home Energy Assistance Top-up (HEAT) Fund, which is
funded this year by the Province, Nova Scotia Power, and Nova Scotia Power Maritime Link Inc.
This program is not a rebate program; you have to apply, but submitting an application does not
guarantee approval. The maximum assistance amount is $400 for individuals and families.
You can apply if you live in Nova Scotia, your household is experiencing an emergency heating
situation, with the following low-income thresholds:
$29,000 for one-person households,
$47,703 for two to four person households, and
$67,937 for households of five or more individuals.
You can download an application at www.salvationarmy.ca/maritime/heat. You can also go to
your local Salvation Army location, or your MLA. For more information and/or to forward your
application electronically, call 902-422-3435 or email [email protected]
Nova Scotia COVID Relief Fund
This program is funded by the Government of Nova Scotia from the Federal Safe Restart
Agreement in April 2021 to help low-income Nova Scotians pay heating or electric bills as a
result of loss of income due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Salvation Army administers this
program. Each household is eligible for up to $400 in support. If you have applied or received
assistance from the HEAT Fund, [see above] you are still eligible to receive assistance from the
NSCR Fund.
You may apply if you live in Nova Scotia and meet the following criteria
You have an overdue amount owing on your heating or electric bill
Your household has been impacted financially due to COVID-19
You live within the following low-income thresholds:
o $29,000 for one-person households,
o $47,703 for two to four person households,
o $67,937 for households of five or more individuals
You can download an application at:
https://salvationarmy.ca/maritime/home/programs/covidrelief/
Applications and corresponding documentation can be emailed to:
[email protected].
Other Nova Scotia Home Energy Programs
For more information on other Nova Scotia home energy programs, visit https://energyassist.ca/
