Senior Home Heating Subsidy
Dene Kǝdǝ́, Dëne Sųłıné, Dene Zhatıé, Dinjii Zhuʼ Ginjik, Inuinnaqtun, Inuktitut (syllabics), Inuktitut (roman orthography), Inuvialuktun, Tłı̨chǫ, nēhiyawēwin
Overview
The Senior Home Heating Subsidy assists low-to-modest income seniors in the NWT with their heating costs. Remember to budget for your heating costs. Seniors are responsible for heating costs above the subsidy level.
Available Funding
The Government of the Northwest Territories has increased the Senior Home Heating Subsidy rates beginning the 2025-2026 subsidy year. This is a permanent increase to address rising fuel costs and to better support seniors.
Eligible seniors will receive a monthly amount from September through April that is dependent on the community that they live in. Unused portions of the monthly allotments can be carried forward to the following month.
We recognize 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 breakdown of zones, income thresholds and the increased subsidy amounts are below:
| Zone 1 | Zone 2 | Zone 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community |
Behchokǫ̀ Dettah Enterprise Fort Providence Fort Simpson Fort Smith Hay River K’atł’odeeche Kakisa Ndılǫ Yellowknife |
Fort Liard Fort Resolution Gametì Inuvik Jean Marie River Nahanni Butte Whatì Wrigley |
Aklavik Colville Lake Délı̨nę Fort Good Hope Fort McPherson Łutselk’e Norman Wells Paulatuk Sachs Harbour Saamba K'e Tsiigehtchic Tuktoyaktuk Tulita Ulukhaktok Wekweètì |
| Income Threshold | Up to $66,000 | Up to $75,000 | Up to $87,000 |
| Monthly Subsidy | $460 | $560 | $750 |
| Total Subsidy | $3,680 | $4,480 | $6,000 |
Deadline
Applications for the 2025-2026 heating season (September through April) can be submitted anytime up to March 15.
Eligibility
This program is intended for Northerners who:
- Are residents of the Northwest Territories
- Are 60 years of age or older
- 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
- Meet the household income threshold
- Are not receiving Income Assistance
- Apply each year
How to Apply
To apply, a Senior Home Heating Subsidy Application must be completed during the application period noted above. Proof of age, total household income, homeownership or rental accommodation must be provided to a local ECE Service Centre.