There are a lot of expenses to keep track of with a household and in the winter we add one more to that list, your heating bill. Whether you heat with oil, electric, wood, or another heating source, the added cost can be a frustrating part of the winter season, especially if you’re already on a tight budget. But if you’re struggling to cover your heating costs there are a couple of options to help Nova Scotians keep the heat on this winter.
In October each year, the Nova Scotia government opens the Heating Assistance Rebate Program, which offers up to $200 in heating rebates to homeowners and renters no matter their heating type. The program is open to low-income Nova Scotians who are on income assistance or who earn less than $29,000 for individuals and less than $44,000 for families. Applications open in October each year and stay open until March so you can apply for your rebate at any time during the winter season. You’ll find more information and the application on the government website, which is updated in October, here: https://beta.novascotia.ca/apply-heating-assistance-rebate-heating-assistance-rebate-program
For the last 20 years, The HEAT Fund from the Salvation Army helps low-income households offset their heating costs with a rebate of up to $400 offered. To be eligible, household income must be less than $29,000 for individuals, less than $47,703 for 2-4 person households, and less than $67,937 for households with five or more people. You can find more information on the HEAT Fund page here: https://salvationarmy.ca/maritime/home/programs/heat/
For those who do not qualify for the above programs, The Energy Assist website can help you find other programs, such as rebates for energy-efficient heating systems and more! Just fill out a short survey on their site to learn more: https://energyassist.ca/
Finally, West Nova Fuels and Superline Fuels customers can take advantage of our heating budget program to help spread out the costs of their heating bills over the winter season. You’ll know exactly how much you’ll pay each month, no unexpected large bills. Learn more in our blog post and sign up here.