Nova Scotians who need help with home heating costs may now apply for the province’s heating rebate program.

“We know many Nova Scotians find it difficult in the winter months to heat their homes,” said Mark Furey, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations.

“The heating rebate program is one way the province is helping those Nova Scotians who are struggling to keep warm in their homes.”

Last winter, 48,500 Nova Scotians received the heating rebate, which provides up to $200 to offset the cost of purchasing oil, natural gas, wood, wood pellets, propane, electricity, or coal. To qualify, applicants must be a household with a net annual income of less than $42,000 or a single person earning less than $27,000 annually.

“Many Nova Scotians, including seniors, find it challenging financially to heat their homes throughout the winter,” said Bill Poole, president of Community Links. “The rebate program has helped many homeowners with monetary assistance to pay for some of their heating costs.”

The province will automatically send out an application form to participants in last year’s rebate program. For convenience, the application form will be pre-completed with the participant’s information from last year. Applicants will simply need to review the information to ensure it is up to date and must continue to meet program requirements to receive the rebate.

Applications are also available at all Access Nova Scotia centres, MLA offices, Community Services’ offices, online at www.homeheatinghelp.ca, or by calling 1-800-670-4357.

It may take up to six weeks for completed applications to be processed and eligible Nova Scotians to receive the rebate.

Source: Release