Heating assistance rebate program in N.S. sees high demand, fewer delays
The Nova Scotia government’s heating assistance rebate program has seen improvements in processing applications compared to last year, but the demand for help remains high. The program, which offers eligible households $600 towards heating costs, opened for applications on October 1st.
Out of the 108,185 applications received by the province so far, 83,426 have been approved, 20,149 are still under assessment, and 4,610 have been denied. The program is set to run until March 31, 2025. Eligible households include families with incomes of $75,000 or less after taxes and single-person households earning no more than $55,000 after taxes, whether they are homeowners or renters.
During the previous heating season, 129,250 people received the rebate. Efforts have been made to streamline the application process this year, with the program starting three weeks earlier and additional part-time staff hired to process applications more efficiently.
Community organizations like the Antigonish Fuel Fund and the Yarmouth fuel bank continue to see a high demand for assistance. The Antigonish Fuel Fund assists about 300 households a year, with a focus on single parents and low-income families. The Yarmouth fuel bank provides $400 towards heating costs for recipients, with funding based on community donations.
Volunteers at these organizations note that there is a consistent need for help, especially among those on fixed incomes who struggle to keep up with rising costs of living. Despite fundraising efforts in the community, the demand for assistance remains high, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by many residents in Nova Scotia.
Overall, while improvements have been made to streamline the heating assistance rebate program, the need for support in heating costs continues to be a pressing issue for many households in the province. Community organizations play a crucial role in helping those in need, but more efforts may be needed to address the underlying issues of poverty and affordability in Nova Scotia.
