The Heating Assistance Rebate Program (HARP) is once again available in Nova Scotia. The program aims to help lower-income Nova Scotians cover home heating costs.
Applications are now open for the 2019-2020 heating season. The program provides a rebate of up to $200 to low-income Nova Scotians who pay for their own heat. Those applying for the property tax rebate program for low-income seniors can choose to automatically be considered for HARP. Over 9,400 tax rebate recipients will get heating help in the first week of the program without having to fill out another 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 Rafah DiCostan, Clayton Park West MLA, 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 the program, the income threshold for one-person households is $29,000, and $44,000 for households with more than one person.
Applications can be filled out online at www.novascotia.ca/heatinghelp or at the Access Nova Scotia Centres, Community Services offices, and MLA offices. More than 41,500 people received the rebate in 2018/2019. Applications will be accepted until March 31, 2020.