GNWT permanently increases rates and expands eligibility for Senior Home Heating Subsidy

Press Release

August 20, 2025

In response to the rising cost of living, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is permanently increasing subsidy rates and expanding eligibility criteria for its Senior Home Heating Subsidy program.

These changes follow input from the Standing Committee on Social Development, which has consistently highlighted the importance of reviewing subsidy rates and income thresholds to better support seniors with home heating costs.

Starting this year, the Senior Home Heating Subsidy rates will increase in all communities.

Zone 1: from $3,000 to $3,680 per year
Zone 2: from $4,000 to $4,480 per year
Zone 3: from $4,600 to $6,000 per year

For the 2025-26 heating year, the Senior Home Heating Subsidy will also be available to more seniors by expanding the income threshold in all three zones.

Zone 1: from $56,000 to $66,000
Zone 2: from $64,000 to $75,000
Zone 3: from $73,000 to $87,000

Under the new criteria, seniors with incomes below $66,000 in Zone 1, $75,000 in Zone 2, and $87,000 in Zone 3, will now qualify for the subsidy.

The Senior Home Heating Subsidy program provides financial assistance to low-to-modest income seniors to assist with the cost of heating their homes. Monthly payments are provided from September through April, ensuring assistance is available during the coldest months of the year.

Application Deadline: Seniors must apply for the 2025-2026 subsidy by March 15, 2026.

To apply, complete a Senior Home Heating Subsidy Application and provide proof of age, total household income, and proof of homeownership or rental accommodation to a local ECE Service Centre. Seniors are encouraged to apply early to begin receiving their subsidy in September.

We recognize that navigating the application process can be challenging and encourage seniors to involve an advocate or family member in meetings if additional support is helpful..

Seniors who have already applied for the 2025-2026 subsidy period do not need to re-apply.

Quotes

“The GNWT is committed to helping seniors age in place with dignity. With rising living costs in recent years, we know the financial strain inflation has placed on households—including those of seniors across the NWT. These changes will help ease the burden of home heating costs for some of the NWT’s most vulnerable residents.”

– Caitlin Cleveland, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment

“Seniors in every region of the NWT deserve to be able to heat their homes without sacrificing other essentials. The voices we’ve heard—especially from smaller communities—have been clear. We know that income thresholds for senior subsidy programs must reflect the realities of both larger regional centres and small communities, where the high cost of living makes it difficult for many seniors on fixed incomes to make ends meet. These changes respond to those concerns, and I’m hopeful they will bring some relief and peace of mind to our Elders.”

– Jane Weyallon Armstrong, Chair, Standing Committee on Social Development and MLA for Monfwi

Quick Facts

Zone 1 communities are: Behchokǫ̀, Dettah, Enterprise, Fort Providence, Fort Simpson, Fort Smith, Hay River, K’atł’odeeche, Kakisa, Ndılǫ, and Yellowknife.
Zone 2 communities are: Fort Liard, Fort Resolution, Gametì, Inuvik, Jean Marie River, Nahanni Butte, Whatì, and Wrigley.
Zone 3 communities are: Aklavik, Colville Lake, Délı̨nę, Fort Good Hope, Fort McPherson, Łutselk’e, Norman Wells, Paulatuk, Sachs Harbour, Saamba K’e, Tsiigehtchic, Tuktoyaktuk, Tulita, Ulukhaktok, and Wekweètì.
The GNWT issued an enhancement for the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 heating seasons—adding between $60 and $175 per month depending on community—to help seniors address rising living costs.

GNWT permanently increases rates and expands eligibility for Senior Home Heating Subsidy

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