Heating Assistance Rebate forms now available

Applications for the Heating Assistance Rebate 2009-2010 are now available to residents of Windsor/ West Hants.

Low and modest income Nova Scotians can apply for home heating assistance under the province's Heating Assistance Rebate Program.

The Heating Assistance Rebate Program (HARP) offers a cash rebate of up to $200 for eligible applicants who heat their homes with oil, electricity, wood, propane, wood pellets, natural gas, or coal.

Families with net annual incomes under $42,000 and single people under $27,000 qualify for the rebate. "The rebate program will help more than 70,000 Nova Scotians heat their homes, making life more affordable this winter," said Ramona Jennex, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. "I encourage anyone who thinks they may be eligible, to apply for the rebate."

The applications for this area can be picked up at the office of MLA Chuck Porter at 56 Gerrish St. in Windsor along with Access Nova Scotia Centre, Department of Community Services’ offices online at www.homeheatinghelp.ca, or by calling 1-800-670-4357. “I want to make sure that Hants West constituents are aware of programs, especially ones like this that can make a big difference to a family trying to keep their home warm over the winter months,” says MLA Chuck Porter.

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

More than 54,000 applications were mailed to recipients of last year's rebate to encourage them to apply for home heating assistance. However, they must meet all program requirements for this year to receive the rebate.