The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is expanding the Senior Home Heating Subsidy so more seniors can access financial assistance with their heating costs this winter.

The changes for the 2026-2027 subsidy year are:

• Expanded eligibility for the subsidy through a higher, territory-wide income threshold of $90,000; and 
• An increased subsidy rate for all recipients. 

These changes are a direct response to the rising cost of living.

A single territory-wide household income threshold of $90,000 for this program year will replace the existing community-based income thresholds. Previously, eligibility depended on where a senior lived, with thresholds ranging from $66,000 to $87,000 across three subsidy zones. The single territory-wide threshold means seniors in any zone with a household income of $90,000 or less are eligible to apply. The income threshold is the maximum annual household income a senior can have to qualify for the subsidy. 

Having a territory-wide income threshold provides a consistent basis for determining eligibility across the NWT. Seniors with similar incomes will be treated the same regardless of where they live, while differences in home heating costs will continue to be recognized through the subsidy rates, which vary by zone. 

The Senior Home Heating Subsidy rates will increase for the 2026-2027 year as follows: 

Zone 1: $530 per month, up to $4,240 

Zone 1 communities are: Behchokǫ̀, Dettah, Enterprise, Fort Providence, Fort Simpson, Fort Smith, Hay River, K’atł’odeeche, Kakisa, Ndılǫ, and Yellowknife.

Zone 2: $685 per month, up to $5,480  
Zone 2 communities are: Fort Liard, Fort Resolution, Gametì, Inuvik, Jean Marie River, Nahanni Butte, Whatì, and Wrigley. 

Zone 3: $1,090 per month, up to $8,720 

Zone 3 communities are: Aklavik, Colville Lake, Délı̨nę, Fort Good Hope, Fort McPherson, Łutselk’e, Norman Wells, Paulatuk, Sachs Harbour, Saamba K'e, Tsiigehtchic, Tuktoyaktuk, Tulita, Ulukhaktok, and Wekweètì.

The Senior Home Heating Subsidy program provides financial assistance to low-to-modest income seniors to assist with the cost of heating their homes. Monthly payments are provided from September through April, ensuring assistance is available during the coldest months of the year. 

Key considerations

• Seniors who have already applied for the 2026-2027 subsidy year do not need to re-apply.
• Seniors who previously applied but did not qualify because of their household income will be reassessed under the new $90,000 threshold and will not need to reapply. 
• Seniors who have not yet applied and may now qualify under the new income threshold will need to submit an application.
• ECE will begin processing adjustments following the announcement and will work to issue retroactive payments as quickly as possible. Processing times may vary as existing applications are reassessed and new applications are received.

The subsidy covers a portion of home heating costs and is not intended to cover the full cost. Seniors are responsible for any heating expenses that exceed the monthly subsidy amount. For more information about eligibility, contact your local Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) Service Centre:  

Beaufort Delta: 1-855-283-9311  

Dehcho: 1-833-995-7338 

North Slave: 1-866-768-8145  

Sahtu: 1-866-814-9840 

South Slave: 1-833-926-2110  

To apply, complete a Senior Home Heating Subsidy Application and provide proof of age, total household income, and proof of homeownership or rental accommodation to a local ECE Service Centre. 

The application deadline for the 2026-2027 season is March 15, 2027. 

“No senior should have to worry about affording to heat their home this winter. That’s why the government is making changes to bolster the Senior Home Heating Subsidy, helping more seniors access financial assistance for one of the most significant costs of living in the North. The government is committed to taking practical action that helps ease affordability pressures for Northerners.”