General - Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply?

Applications are available:

• Online Application Form [ - 11.9 kb]
• Access Nova Scotia centres
• MLA offices
• Department of Community Services' offices
• Community organizations such as the Salvation Army
• Department of Seniors
• Efficiency Nova Scotia

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How much is the rebate?

The rebate is up to $200. Single people with an income $27,000 or less and families with an annual income of $42,000 or less qualify for a rebate. Households that receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement/Allowance from Service Canada or Income Assistance from the Department of Community Services also qualify.

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Is there a deadline to apply for the rebate?

Yes. You must apply by March 31, 2012.

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I received the rebate last year, do I qualify for the rebate this year?

You will be mailed a Heating Assistance Rebate Program application form. You will need to apply for the rebate and meet all program requirements to receive the rebate this year.

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Am I eligible to receive the rebate?

• If you are single, your income must be $27,000 or less. If you are applying as a family, your annual income must be $42,000 or less. If you receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement/Allowance from Service Canada or Income Assistance from the Department of Community Services you are eligible.
• You will need to provide a receipt showing that you paid for heat (oil, electricity, coal, wood, wood pellets, propane, natural gas, etc.).

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How do you decide the eligibility for the electricity rebate?

• We will accept any electricity bill dated January 1, 2011 or later. Your consumption must be at least 6,000 kilowatt hours per year, based on the rolling total on your bill over the last year.
• You must also meet the income requirements.

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I heat my home with wood...do I qualify for a rebate?

• As long as you pay to heat your home and meet the income criteria, you are eligible.
• The rebate applies to people who heat their home with wood, wood pellets, coal, oil, electricity, propane, and natural gas.
• If heating with wood, your bill or receipt must show your wood vendor's contact information.
• If you do not have a receipt, or if you cut your own wood, please see below for a copy of our invoice sheet, and statutory declaration
  
  
  • Firewood Declaration [- 297 kb]
  • Invoice Sheet [- 370 kb]

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Do I need to include any information with the completed HARP application?

Yes, you must ...

• provide proof of your income, AND
• provide a receipt showing that you paid for heat (oil, electricity, coal, wood, wood pellets, propane, natural gas, etc.)

Proof of income

You can ...

• provide your 2010 income tax assessment
  OR
• provide consent for Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations to verify your income with the Canada Revenue Agency or the Department of Community Services

For GIS/Allowance recipients:

• You must provide a copy of your grant letter. If you don't have a copy of your grant letter, please contact Service Canada at 1-800-277-9914 to request a copy of a letter that verifies you are presently receiving the GIS/Allowance.

Proof of Home Heating Purchase

• You must provide your bill or receipt of your home heating purchase (oil, wood, electricity, wood pellets, natural gas, or coal) dated between January 1, 2011 and March 31, 2012
• The name and address on your bill or receipt must match your civic address.

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How long will it take to get my cheque?

If you include all the necessary information, we will mail your cheque within 6 to 8 weeks after we receive your application.  If we need to contact you for missing information, it may take longer.

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How much is this program costing government?

The Heating Assistance Rebate Program is a $15-million program administered by Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations.

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