How much does HARP pay?
$400 for each household, according to the Province of Nova Scotia. It is a one-time payment for the 2026-27 application period. You can apply from October 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027.
Who qualifies for the Nova Scotia heating rebate?
You must pay for your own home heat. Then you need to meet one of these:
- You live alone with no kids or dependents, and your 2025 net income was $30,000 or less.
- You live with kids, dependents or other adults, and your combined 2025 net household income was $45,000 or less.
- You get Income Assistance.
- You get the Guaranteed Income Supplement or the Allowance from Service Canada.
Net income is the amount on line 23600 of your 2025 tax return.
What heat does HARP cover?
Almost any fuel counts if you pay for it yourself, such as oil, electricity, natural gas, wood or pellets. These do not count:
- Heat that is included in your rent.
- Heat for a rental property you own, or other income or investment property.
- Heat for a cottage or other seasonal or recreation property.
- Heat for a business.
- Electric heat if your home uses less than 5,000 kilowatt hours of electricity a year.
Renters who pay their own electric heat can apply. The province has a Landlord Declaration Form for that. There are also forms for people who cut their own firewood or bought wood without a receipt.
How to apply for HARP
- Find the 2025 net income for every adult in your home.
- Get each adult's Social Insurance Number and date of birth.
- Have your 2025 Notice of Assessment and a recent heating bill or receipt ready.
- Apply online (you need an email address) or print the paper form and mail it. Paper forms must be postmarked by March 31, 2027.
- Save your confirmation number.
It costs nothing to apply. The province's apply page has the form and the full list of papers.
How to check your HARP status
If you applied online, use the province's status page with your confirmation number and postal code. We walk through it, with payment timing, in our guide to payment dates and how to check your status.
What HARP does not do
HARP is $400. It helps with one winter and does not change your home. If you want a lower bill every winter, look at a Home Energy Assessment through Efficiency Nova Scotia (up to $5,000 in rebates for any homeowner) or HomeWarming (free upgrades for lower-income homeowners). The old heat pump programs have closed. Our heat pump update explains what is left.
Common questions
What does HARP stand for?
The Heating Assistance Rebate Program. It is run by the Province of Nova Scotia.
How much is the HARP rebate?
$400 per household for 2026-27.
Who can apply for HARP?
Households that pay their own heat and have a 2025 net income of $30,000 or less (living alone) or $45,000 or less combined (living with kids, dependents or other adults). People on Income Assistance, the Guaranteed Income Supplement or the Allowance can also apply.
Can renters get HARP?
Yes, if you pay for your own heat. Heat included in your rent does not count. Renters with electric heat need the Landlord Declaration Form.
When is the HARP deadline?
March 31, 2027. Paper applications must be postmarked by that day.
How do I check my HARP status?
Use the province's status page with your confirmation number and postal code. It only works for online applications.
Related reading
- Nova Scotia home energy rebates 2026
- Payment dates and how to check your status
- Heating Assistance Rebate Program details
- Halifax home energy rebates
Sources, read October 5, 2026: Province of Nova Scotia: Heating Assistance Rebate Program, Province of Nova Scotia: apply, Province of Nova Scotia: check your status.