Applications open for temporarily expanded Heating Assistance Rebate Program

The $1,000 rebate is available to all households with a net income of up to $85,000, as along as they pay their own heating bill

CITYnews halifax \ Meghan Groff

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Nova Scotians can now apply to the province’s temporarily expanded Heating Assistance Rebate Program (HARP).

Last month, the province announced the rebate would be increased to $1,000 from the usual $200.

Eligibility for the program has also been expanded to all households with a net income of up to $85,000.

Previously the income thresholds were $29,000 for single-income households and $44,000 for family-income households.

In order for a household to qualify, they must pay their own heating bill, whether it be oil, electricity, coal, wood, wood pellets, propane or natural gas.

“Anyone who has already qualified for a HARP rebate this year does not need to reapply,” the province said in a news release. “They will receive an additional payment to top them up to $1,000.”

“People who were denied the rebate also do not need to reapply – their applications are under review, and applicants who meet the new eligibility criteria will receive the full rebate.”

Those who don’t fall into those categories can find out how to apply by clicking here.

It should take between two and eight weeks to receive the money.

The HARP expansion is for this winter only.