Nova Scotia

Heating Assistance Rebate Program

Moderate application

Tax filing not required

The Heating Assistance Rebate Program helps low-income Nova Scotians with the cost of home heating. Qualified applicants will receive a $400 yearly rebate per household.

Eligible home heating costs include:

  • heating oil
  • electric heat
  • natural gas heat
  • wood
  • wood pellets
  • coal
  • other heating sources

Ineligible home heating costs include:

  • heating that’s included in rent
  • electricity usage that’s less than 5,000 kWh per year
  • heating for investment or income properties
  • heating for seasonal or recreation properties
  • heating for commercial or business properties

Applicants can review the eligible heating costs and requirements in the Heating Assistance Rebate Program Home Heating Costs Factsheet.

To qualify for the rebate, you need to pay for the heat in your home and meet one of the following criteria:

  • have a 2024 net income of $30,000 or less and live alone with no kids or dependents
  • have a combined 2024 net household income of $45,000 or less and live with kids, dependents or other adults (to qualify as a single parent, you need to receive the Canada Child Benefit)
  • receive Income Assistance from the Department of Opportunities and Social Development
  • receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) or the Allowance from Service Canada

If your personal or financial situation has significantly changed since you filed your income tax for 2024, you still may qualify. Contact the Department of Service Nova Scotia to find out if you qualify.

Documents listed in this section are examples of what can be included with your application. Please review the application instructions (How to Apply tab) to confirm the supplemental and required documents for this benefit.

Proof of  residency in Province/ Territory

For example:

  • lease agreement
  • rent receipt
  • household bill
    • gas
    • electricity
    • cable television
    • telephone
  • driver's license
  • vehicle registration or car insurance
  • membership in social or professional organization
  • Other:
    • bank information
    • employment information

Proof of income

For example:

Pay stubs, pension statements (Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security), rental property income, income tax returns, income tax notice of assessment, business/rental/farming income, disability or veterans affairs pension, child and spousal support payments, GST credit.

Proof of housing situation

For example:

  • letter from landlord about your housing situation
  • eviction notice
  • disconnection notice
  • police report about an incident involving your housing
  • moving company quote or invoice
  • list of repairs needed in home
  • list of expenses for renovations needed for independence in the home
  • proof of home ownership (mortgage, property ownership)

Notice of Assessment

A statement from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to each taxpayer, every year, after you have filed a tax return. It tells you the amount of income tax you owe, or the amount of the refund you will get.

Social Insurance Number

For example:

  • confirmation of SIN letter
  • plastic SIN card (non-expired)

To apply for this program, applicants must submit

  • Social Insurance Number and Date of Birth of all adults in the home
  • All adults on the application must provide a signature on the application form

Qualified households can apply by doing the following:

  1. Apply online for the rebate.
  2. Check the application for details on all required supporting documents.
  3. Submit your completed application and any supporting documents.
  4. Check your application status online (if you apply online).

Supporting documents may include the following:

  • 2024 Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment for you and any other adults in your home
  • Canada Child Benefit Form
  • proof of change in marital status
  • proof of death (Death Certificate) for your spouse or partner, if applicable

Applications must be submitted between October 1 and March 31st of the following year. Once approved, households can receive the rebate in 8-10 weeks. If additional information is required to process your rebate, you will be contacted by mail or email.

Last updated: January 8, 2026