The Government of the Northwest Territories has announced expansions to the Senior Home Heating Subsidy, allowing more seniors to access these funds and increasing the amount available for the 2026-2027 period.
In response to the rising cost of living, a single territory-wide household income threshold of $90,000 has been implemented, replacing previous community-based thresholds which ranged from $66,000 to $87,000.
Having a single income threshold will provide a consistent basis to determine eligibility and ensure seniors are treated equally no matter which community they reside in.
“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,” said Minister Caitlin Cleveland.
The subsidy amounts available monthly, as well as the yearly cap, will continue to vary between the three zones the subsidy recognizes, ranging from $530 monthly in zone one to $1,090 in zone three.
Seniors who have already applied for the subsidy do not need to reapply, and those who applied but did not meet the previous thresholds will be reassessed with the new requirements and do not need to reapply.
Applications for those who have not submitted one yet are open until March 15, 2027. Instructions on how to apply and more information about the program and which zone communities fall into can be found here.
