Applications Available for 2014-15 Heating Rebate Program

Nova Scotians who need help with home heating costs this winter can apply for the government's heating rebate program.

The 2014-15 Heating Assistance Rebate Program will launch on Thursday, Oct. 30, and will provide funding to thousands of Nova Scotians for essential household heating costs.

"We recognize the financial costs associated with home heating during the winter months in Nova Scotia," said Mark Furey, Minister of Service Nova Scotia. "We want to help, and this rebate is one opportunity to allow us to do just that."

Last year's program provided assistance to 46,600 Nova Scotians. The rebate provides up to $200 to help with the cost of purchasing oil, natural gas, wood, wood pellets, propane, electricity, or coal. To qualify, applicants must be a household with a net annual income of $42,000 or less or a single person earning $27,000 or less annually.

The government will send out pre-completed application forms to those who received a rebate last year. Applicants are asked to review the application and ensure it is up-to-date, and are reminded that they must continue to meet program requirements in order to receive the rebate.

Applications are also available at all Access Nova Scotia centres, MLA offices, Department of Community Services' offices, online at www.homeheatinghelp.ca, or by calling 1-800-670-4357.

It may take up to six weeks for completed applications to be processed and for eligible Nova Scotians to receive the rebate.