Heating Assistance Rebate Program Opens

**** SERVICE NOVA SCOTIA Media Release

Heating Assistance Rebate Program Opens
Home heating costs can be difficult for low-income Nova Scotians to afford, which is why the Heating Assistance Rebate Program (HARP) is once again available.

Applications are now open for the 2019-20 heating season. The program provides a rebate of up to $200 to low-income Nova Scotians who pay for their own heat.

This year, those applying for the Property Tax Rebate Program for Low Income Seniors can choose to be automatically considered for HARP. As a result, over 9,400 tax rebate recipients will get heating help in the first week of the program without having to fill out a second application. More than 1,700 people receiving the tax rebate did not receive help under HARP in the past.

“Thousands of Nova Scotians receive the HARP rebate each year to help with their home heating costs,” said Clayton Park West MLA, Rafah DiCostanzo on behalf of Patricia Arab, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Internal Services. “The online application and direct deposit are helping people get the assistance they need sooner.”

To qualify for HARP, the income threshold for one-person households is $29,000 and $44,000 for households with more than one person.

Quotes:
“We are proud to host the launch of HARP 2019-20. At the library, we work hard to provide access to valuable information. We know this wonderful initiative will ease some upcoming wintertime worries in our community.”
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ – Dacia MacDonald, newcomer services, community engagement and adult programming librarian, Keshen Goodman Public Library

Quick Facts:
— applicants can apply online
— applications are also available at the Access Nova Scotia Centres, Community Services offices, MLA offices and at more than 70 community groups across the province
— applicants can register with the Canada Revenue Agency to get a direct deposit
— the program closes March 31, 2020
— more than 41,500 Nova Scotians received the heating rebate in 2018/19

Additional Resources:
HARP: http://www.novascotia.ca/heatinghelp

Property Tax Rebate Program for Low Income Seniors: https://beta.novascotia.ca/apply-property-tax-rebate-property-tax-rebate-seniors

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