Fuel Assistance Program Under Way

SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--Fuel Assistance Program Under Way

Low-income Nova Scotians may now pick up applications for the provincial government's home heating fuel assistance program.

The Low Income Fuel Assistance Program will provide $50 to qualified families with a net income of $17,400 or less, to single people earning $10,000 or less, recipients of income assistance, and to seniors who receive the guaranteed income supplement or spouse's allowance. The assistance is available to qualified applicants who heat their homes with oil or propane.

"It's important that Nova Scotians who qualify apply for this help as quickly as possible. If someone is aware of a friend, neighbour or relative who they feel may qualify, they should encourage that person to apply," said Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations Minister Peter Christie. "Fifty-dollars will cover the increased cost of filling an empty tank."

Applications are available at all Access Nova Scotia Centres, Community Services offices and Registry of Motor Vehicles locations. The 20,000 applicants who received assistance under the program two years ago will be mailed application forms to their 2001 addresses.

Applications can also be obtained by calling 902-424-5200 in the Halifax area, or toll-free 1-800-670-4357. The form is also available on the Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations Web site at: www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr . The deadline for receiving applications is March 31.

Applicants must include a copy of their 2001 income tax assessment form from Canada Customs and Revenue Agency and a copy of a recent oil or propane bill. Canada Customs and Revenue Agency officials will work with Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations staff to verify the income of applicants if income tax assessment forms are not immediately available.