Nova Scotia Slashes Heating Assistance Rebate for Low-Income Households in 2025
Nova Scotia Slashes Heating Assistance Rebate for Low-Income Households in 2025
The Houston government has cut heating assistance for vulnerable Nova Scotians by one-third while tightening eligibility rules, sparking concerns about energy poverty amid rising costs.
Major Cuts to Heating Assistance Program
The Nova Scotia government has significantly reduced financial support for low-income residents struggling with heating costs, cutting the maximum Heating Assistance Rebate Program (HARP) benefit from $600 to just $400 for the 2025–2026 heating season.
This 33% reduction comes at a time when many Nova Scotians are facing a perfect storm of financial pressures: rising electricity rates, increasing fuel costs, higher grocery bills, and climbing rent—all while wages remain largely stagnant.
Stricter Eligibility Leaves Thousands Without Help
Beyond reducing the rebate amount, the government has dramatically tightened who qualifies for assistance:
Previous eligibility (2023–2025):
- Single-person households: up to $55,000 net income
- Family households: up to $75,000 net income
New eligibility (2025–2026):
- Single-person households: up to $30,000 net income
- Family households: up to $45,000 net income
This means thousands of low-income Nova Scotians who previously qualified for heating assistance will no longer be eligible, despite facing the same—or worse—financial challenges.
Longer Wait Times Add to the Burden
Making matters worse for struggling households, the waiting period for rebate disbursement has increased from approximately 8 weeks to as much as 10 weeks. For families choosing between heating and other essentials, this extended delay could prove critical during the coldest months.
The application window remains open from October 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, requiring eligible households to provide comprehensive documentation including proof of income and heating costs.
What the Rebate Covers
HARP provides financial assistance for various heating sources commonly used by Nova Scotian households:
- Heating oil
- Electricity
- Natural gas
- Wood and pellets
- Coal
While the rebate has always been modest compared to actual heating costs, the reduction to $400 comes as many of these energy sources have seen significant price increases.
Rising Costs Squeeze Vulnerable Households
The timing of these cuts has drawn sharp criticism from advocates and opposition politicians. Nova Scotia has experienced a nearly 14% increase in power rates over the past two years, compounding affordability challenges for low-income residents.
Local advocates warn that some Nova Scotians may be forced to make impossible choices between adequately heating their homes and meeting other basic needs like food, medication, or rent.
"These reductions demonstrate a troubling lack of compassion for vulnerable Nova Scotians facing poverty and energy insecurity," critics have stated, describing the policy changes as especially harmful given current economic conditions.
Government's Justification
The Houston administration defends the changes as necessary budget management measures, claiming they represent a return to pre-pandemic program criteria. The government notes that some pandemic-era supports had temporarily made programs more accessible, allowing annual rather than biennial (every two years) access.
However, critics counter that rolling back these supports ignores the reality that affordability challenges have intensified since the pandemic, not diminished. With power rates continuing to climb and inflation affecting household budgets across the board, they argue this is exactly the wrong time to reduce assistance.
How to Apply
Despite the reduced benefits and stricter eligibility, thousands of Nova Scotians will still depend on HARP this winter. Eligible households can apply through multiple channels:
- Online: Through the provincial government website
- In-person: At Access Nova Scotia Centres
- Through representatives: At MLA offices or the Department of Community Services
There are no application fees, but applicants must be prepared to provide detailed documentation of their income and heating expenses.
HARP Changes at a Glance
| Year | Max Rebate | Single Income Limit | Family Income Limit | Wait Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023–2024 | $600 | $55,000 | $75,000 | ~8 weeks | Pandemic supports in place |
| 2024–2025 | $600 | $55,000 | $75,000 | ~8 weeks | Increasing demand |
| 2025–2026 | $400 | $30,000 | $45,000 | ~10 weeks | Eligibility significantly reduced |
Broader Policy Implications
The HARP reductions reflect wider trends in Nova Scotia's approach to housing and energy affordability. As utility costs rise and government subsidies shrink, vulnerable households face mounting pressure.
Energy poverty—the inability to adequately heat or power one's home—is a growing concern in the province. With fewer households qualifying for assistance and those who do qualify receiving less support, advocates worry about increased health risks, housing instability, and financial hardship among Nova Scotia's most vulnerable residents.
As winter approaches, the impact of these policy changes will become increasingly apparent in communities across the province, where low-income families must navigate another heating season with significantly less government support than in previous years.
For more information about HARP eligibility and applications, visit Access Nova Scotia or contact your local MLA office.
