The NS Home Heating Rebate Program, also known as the Heating Assistance Rebate Program (HARP), helps low and modest-income Nova Scotians offset winter heating costs. Applying online is the fastest option.
This guide explains everything you need to apply online: eligibility, required documents, steps, deadlines, and how to check application status.
What is the NS Home Heating Rebate Program and who is eligible online?
The NS Home Heating Rebate Program (HARP) provides a rebate for people who pay directly for their home’s heating.
That includes heat via oil, propane, natural gas, wood, electricity, pellets, coal, or other fuel.
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To apply online, you must meet eligibility criteria such as income limits and payment responsibility.
Nova Scotia’s 2025-26 parameters say families with combined net income up to $45,000 and single-person households with net income up to $30,000 qualify.
Recipients of the Guaranteed Income Supplement or income assistance also qualify.
You must also live in Nova Scotia, file taxes, and pay your own heating.
When does the online application open and what is the deadline?
The NS Home Heating Rebate Program online application opens each year on October 1.
For example, the 2025-26 season begins accepting applications on October 1, 2025. The deadline to apply is March 31 of the next year.
After that date, no new applications for that season are accepted.
What information and documents do you need before applying online?
Before you click “apply online,” make sure you have:
- Your Social Insurance Number (SIN), date of birth, and signature for all adults in the household.
- Your most recent CRA Notice of Assessment (tax return) for you and any other adults living at your address to verify income.
- Proof of heating costs: a heating bill or receipt from your fuel provider (oil, wood, gas, electricity, etc.). If you cut your own firewood, you may need the Firewood Declaration Form.
- If you pay for heating separately from rent and you rent, you might need a Landlord Declaration Form.
How to apply online for the NS Home Heating Rebate
Here are the online steps:
- Go to novascotia.ca/heatinghelp. This is the official page for the Heating Assistance Rebate Program.
- Look for the “Apply Online” or “Heating Assistance Rebate Program” link.
- Fill out the online application form with all required fields (name, address, SIN, income, etc.) and attach digital copies or scans of required documents: tax notice, heating bills. If asked, upload the Firewood Declaration Form.
- Indicate direct deposit preference if you want the rebate deposited directly to your bank account via your CRA-registered account. If you are already signed up with CRA for direct deposit, your rebate will go there. Otherwise, a cheque may be mailed.
- Submit the application. Online submission speeds up processing.
How long does it take to receive the rebate after applying online?
Once you apply online:
- It typically takes 8 to 10 weeks for the rebate to be processed and delivered, assuming all required information is complete.
- If the application is missing information (for example, no heating bill provided initially), the program may contact you via email to request the missing documents. This can delay processing.
How to check the status of your NS Home Heating Rebate application
After applying online:
- Visit the status checker tool via novascotia.ca/heatinghelp.
- Enter your application confirmation number and your postal code to see if your submission has been received or approved.