Yellowknife — April 4, 2023
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) will be changing the Senior Home Heating Subsidy to ensure seniors continue to be supported with their heating costs.
The subsidy will be provided in a monthly allotment over an eight-month period to ensure seniors are receiving assistance with their heating costs during the coldest months of the year, September through April. Unused portions of the monthly allotments can be carried forward to the following month, however any unused portions carried over must be used in the subsidy period (September through April). Previously, the Senior Home Heating Subsidy was provided as an annual allotment.
By moving to a monthly subsidy, the GNWT hopes that this will allow seniors to be in a better position to budget as they will know the amount they will receive towards their heating costs through the subsidy.
If seniors are uncertain about how these changes may impact them, they are encouraged to speak to a Client Services Officer at their local or regional ECE Service Centre.
Quote
“Seniors play an important role in Northwest Territories communities, and the GNWT is committed to helping them live healthy, independent lives. With the rising cost of living, we recognize that inflation is putting economic pressure on households including those of NWT seniors. These changes to the Senior Home Heating Subsidy will support seniors in budgeting throughout the year, advancing the GNWT’s commitment to enable seniors to age in place with dignity.”
- R.J. Simpson, Minister Education, Culture and Employment
Quick facts
- The Senior Home Heating Subsidy assists seniors with low to modest income with the costs associated with heating their homes based on the community they reside in.
- To be eligible for the Senior Home Heating Subsidy, a senior must own or rent and live in the home as their primary address and have a household income less than the threshold for their prescribed zone.
- While the Senior Home Heating Subsidy is meant to assist with the costs associated in heating a senior’s home, it is not meant to cover all expenses.
- If a senior does not use all of the monthly allotment, the unused portion can be carried over to the following month. Any unused portions carried over must be used in the subsidy period (September through April).
Related links
For media requests, please contact:
Public Affairs and Communications
Department of Education, Culture and Employment
Government of the Northwest Territories