Nova Scotians turn to Salvation Army fund as heating costs climb

Rising heating costs hit home for many Maritimes – forced to choose between comfort or cost.

The Salvation Army says application for its annual Heat Fund are pouring in as many Nova Scotians struggle to keep up with rising heat costs during the coldest stretch of winter.

The program, formally known as the Home Energy Assistance Program, opened to the public on Jan. 12. Since then, more than 800 people have applied for help.

“This is an emergency fund,” said Wendy Woodland, spokesperson for the Salvation Army’s Atlantic division. “It’s a one-time top up for anybody who might be experiencing insecurity and just need some extra funds to be able to pay that heat bill.”

The fund provides up to $400 per household, depending on income and family size. Woodland said between 2,500 and 3,000 Nova Scotia households typically receive support each year.

Applications tend to spike early, she said, because many families are already stretched thin or dealing with unexpected financial setbacks. That could mean fewer shifts at work, reduced hours or other pressures that make it difficult to balance monthly expenses.

“We’re in the coldest part of the year,” Woodland said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s oil, propane, wood, electricity or natural gas. If you cannot pay that heat bill, then that fund is there as a top up.”

The Salvation Army administers the program, but it is coming from the Nova Scotia government and Nova Scotia Power.

This year, the province has spent $800,000, while the utility has provided $300,000.

Rising heating bills remain a growing concern for households across the province, with some saying their monthly costs have climbed despite efforts to conserve energy or switch to heat pumps.

Budgeting has also become more difficult for customers facing estimated billing or fluctuating power costs.

Some residents told CTV News the unpredictability has forced them to plan for the worst and make cuts elsewhere.

The Heat Fund has operated in Nova Scotia for nearly three decades. Woodland said the $400 allowance has remained consistent in recent years.

To qualify, applicants must meet income thresholds that vary by household size, which starts at roughly $27,000 for a single-person home and increasing to just over $65,000 for a family of five.

Woodland encourages people who are struggling to apply, especially those forced to choose between heat and other essentials such as food.

“Nobody wants to be cold in their homes where they’re supposed to be cozy at the coldest point in the year,” she said. “If we can help, we want folks to apply.”

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