The province of Nova Scotia announces an increase in funding to its heating rebate program, with households set to get back up to $1000.
The per household fee is rising from $200, thanks to an infusion of $100 million into the program.
“We’re coming with real relief to help you heat your home,” Premier Tim Houston said.
“We’ll continue to evolve with it,” Houston said. “This is for the here and now … this winter, to help people. As we see what happens going forward, we’ll look at [expanding the program again.]”
Eligibility will also be expanded to a household income of up to $85,000. Previously, the rebate eligibility was $29,000 in net annual income for a single person and $44,000 for households with children or other dependents.
“Time and again I hear from people who tell me they just missed qualifying,” he said. “These folks are far from wealthy but they are falling through the cracks … so we are expanding access so it can support more people during the winter.”
With the expansion, an estimated 100,000 households in the province are expected to receive the rebate this year. So far this winter, officials say about 34,000 households have already obtained it.
As well, $6.7 million will go toward one-time payments of $250 to Nova Scotians on income assistance and of $1,000 to full-time foster families. Officials said the income assistance payments would be extended to 23,000 cases administered by the Department of Community Services.
The province also announced a series of other financial supports totalling nearly $9 million in grants to community partner organizations.
The funding announcements also includes $3 million for the Disability Support Program and Child and Youth Caring Programs, $3 million to provincial food banks, $2.6 million for 26 Family Resource Centres and $10,000 each to 10 transition houses.
