Nova Scotia Heating Rebate Application (2025-26): Eligibility, Application & Amount

Are you worried about the cost of heating your home in Nova Scotia? The province offers Nova Scotia Heating Assistance Rebates to all eligible households to help with these costs. Let’s read about who is eligible for the Nova Scotia Heating Rebate Application, how much the rebate is, what you need, how to apply, as well as frequently asked questions FAQs.

What is Nova Scotia Heating Assistance Rebate?

The Nova Scotia Heating Assistance Rebate Program helps low-income Nova Scotians reduce home heating costs. The Heating Assistance Rebate Program is designed to ease the burden of heating costs during the colder months.

• The application period for the 2025-26 heating season is from October 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026.
• The Heating Assistance rebate amount is CAD $400 per household for those who meet all eligibility Requirements.

Eligible Heating Costs & What’s Ineligible

You can claim many domestic NS heating sources, but there are some exceptions.

Eligible heating costs include:

• Heating oil
• Electric heat
• Natural gas
• Wood
• Wood pellets
• Coal
• Other home heating sources

Ineligible heating costs include:

• Heating included in the rent (i.e., you don’t pay directly for heating)
• Electricity consumption less than 5,000 kWh per year
• Heating for investment or income properties
• Heating for seasonal, recreational, or commercial properties

Eligiblity Requirements for NS Heating Assistance Rebate

To get the NS Heating Assistance Rebate, you need to know who is eligible for this discount program.

• Pay for your home heating yourself (heating should not be included in your rent).
• Meet one of these income or assistance criteria:
  • If you live alone and have no dependents, your net income in 2024 must be $30,000 or less.
  • If you live with dependents, children, or other adults, your combined net household income in 2024 must be $45,000 or less.
  • Receive income assistance from the provincial Department of Opportunity and Social Development.
  • Receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) or federal allowance.

Note – If your financial or personal situation has changed after filing your 2024 taxes, for example, job loss, separation, or relocation, you may still be eligible.

Documents Required for Heating Assistance Rebate Application

• SIN (Social Insurance Number) and date of birth for all adults in the household.
• 2024 Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) assessment information for all adults.
• Canada Child Benefit information (if applicable).
• Documents proving a change in marital status (marriage, separation), if relevant.
• Death certificate (if spouse/partner has passed away), if applicable.
• Heating bill or receipt (if requested).

If you are applying for the first time, have moved, or live in a multi-unit building, please include a heating bill or receipt with your application to avoid delays.

How to Apply for the Nova Scotia Heating Rebate Application

Here is steps to apply for the Nova Scotia Heating Assistance Rebate Program (HARP) are generally as follows:

Step 1: Check Eligibility:

Firstly, check the eligibility criteria such as income, residency, program season,

Step 2: Gather Required Documents:

Collect the required documents to fill out the application Form.

Step 3: Application Process:

You can apply for the Nova Scotia Heating Rebate online or by paper application.

• Online Application (Recommended): Visit the official Government site of the Nova Scotia Heating Assistance Rebate Program.
  • Click on Apply Online (Start Button).
  • Personal information – Your first and last name, date of birth, Social Insurance number, address, email, and phone number.
  • Personal information of another adult – Their first and last name, date of birth, and Social Insurance number.
  • You will have the option to upload a copy of your heating bill or receipt.
  • Digital signatures for all applicants – On a computer, you can sign with a mouse or trackpad. On a touchscreen device, sign with your finger.
  • After completing the form, the portal will send you a confirmation of your submission via email.
• Paper Application: You can print the PDF Paper application form from the official website.
  • Request a paper application by mail – Pick up a form in person at Access Nova Scotia Centres, MLA offices, or Community Services offices.

Apply Now

Step 4: Wait for Approval and Payment

Application review: It may take approximately 2 weeks for us to review your Nova Scotia heating rebate application. It may take longer if your application is incomplete or if we need to clarify some information.

We will then contact you after reviewing your application. Your application may be approved, rejected, or we may ask you for more information.

Step 5: After Review

If approved, you’ll receive your rebate within the next 8 to 10 weeks. If your Canada Revenue Agency income tax refund is directly deposited, your heating assistance rebate will also be directly deposited. If not, we’ll mail your cheque to the address provided.

Nova Scotia Heating Rebate Application status

After applying for a heating assistance rebate application online through the Heating Assistance Rebate Program, you can check the status of your application online.

To check the application status of the Nova Scotia Heating Assistance Rebate Program, visit the official website – https://harp.novascotia.ca/#/harp/en/check-status and enter your confirmation number and your postal code. Now track your application status.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)