Eligible seniors can warm up to heating cost subsidies

Applications are now open to seniors for financial assistance to help with home heating costs during the upcoming winter months.

This program is intended for people who are 60 years of age or older an own and occupy the home as their primary residence.

Or, if renting, be the lessee of a self-contained unit where heating costs are not included in the rent

The GNWT stated in a release that it recognized the impact of rising living costs and in recent years has increased income thresholds and offered higher subsidy rates, allowing more seniors to qualify for more support.

Eligible seniors with low-to-moderate household incomes may receive between $460 and $750 per month, from September 2026 to April 2027.

The amount depends on their home community.

A breakdown of zones, income thresholds and subsidy amounts:

• In Fort Providence, the income threshold is up to $66,000, allowing for a monthly subsidy of $460.
• In Fort Resolution, the income threshold is up to $75,000, allowing for a monthly subsidy of $560.
• In Łutselk’e, the income threshold is up to $87,000, allowing for a monthly subsidy of $750.

The GNWT stated that it recognizes, “that navigating the application process can be challenging and encourage seniors to involve an advocate or family member in meetings, should they feel additional support is beneficial.”

The subsidy covers a portion of home heating costs. It does not cover the full cost. Seniors are responsible for any heating expenses that exceed the monthly subsidy amount.

To apply, a Senior Home Heating Subsidy Application must be completed. Proof of age, total household income, homeownership or rental accommodation must be provided to a local ECE Service Centre.

The application deadline is March 15, 2027.

Homes in the Northwest Territories are primarily heated using heating oil, alongside growing alternatives like biomass (wood pellets), propane, and cord wood.

Main Heating Sources:

• Heating Oil: This remains the most common energy source for home heating across the NWT, used in traditional furnaces and boilers.
• Biomass: Wood pellet boilers and stoves are increasingly popular in the North and South Slave regions, offering lower emissions and cost savings compared to oil.
• Propane: Frequently used for home heating and hot water in communities connected by all-season roads.
• Cord Wood and Driftwood: Used in wood stoves for supplemental or primary heating in forested areas below the tree-line and occasionally in remote northern areas.
• Emerging Technology: Cold-climate heat pumps are being tested and adopted, particularly where local hydro electricity makes them cleaner and more efficient, though backup fossil-fuel systems are still needed during extreme cold.