The NWT Senior Home Heating Subsidy helps seniors aged 60 and over with the cost of heating their home. It’s paid every month from September to April, either to you or straight to your fuel supplier. For the 2026–2027 heating season it’s worth $460 to $750 a month, depending on where you live.
How much you’ll get
The Northwest Territories is split into three zones. Places with higher heating costs get a bigger subsidy and a higher income limit.
| Zone | Household income limit | Monthly subsidy | Full season (8 months) |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | — | — | — |
| Zone 1 | Up to $66,000 | $460 | $3,680 |
| Zone 2 | Up to $75,000 | $560 | $4,480 |
| Zone 3 | Up to $87,000 | $750 | $6,000 |
These amounts are for the 2026–2027 season (September 2026 to April 2027).
- Zone 1: Behchokǫ̀, Dettah, Enterprise, Fort Providence, Fort Simpson, Fort Smith, Hay River, K’atł’odeeche, Kakisa, Ndılǫ and Yellowknife.
- Zone 2: Fort Liard, Fort Resolution, Gamètì, Inuvik, Jean Marie River, Nahanni Butte, Whatì and Wrigley.
- Zone 3: 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.
If you don’t use all of one month’s amount, the rest carries forward to the next month. The subsidy only covers part of your heating bill. You pay anything above it.
Example. A senior couple in Inuvik (Zone 2) with a household income of $58,000 qualifies. If they apply before September, they can get $560 a month from September to April, or $4,480 for the season. If their December fuel bill is $900, the subsidy covers $560 and they pay $340.
The subsidy isn’t taxable, but it’s reported to the Canada Revenue Agency. You’ll get a T5007 slip in the mail at the end of February. Enter it on your tax return.
Who qualifies
- You’re 60 or older.
- You live in the Northwest Territories, in the community you’re applying in.
- You own the home and it’s your main residence, or you rent a self-contained unit and heat isn’t included in your rent.
- Your household income is under your zone’s limit. ECE uses line 23600 of last year’s Notice of Assessment, including your spouse’s income even if they’re under 60. CPP disability benefits aren’t counted.
- You’re not on Income Assistance.
- You apply again every year.
Only one person per home can get the subsidy. If your income dropped this year, for example because you retired, you can ask for your eligibility to be based on this year’s income instead.
How to apply
- Get the Senior Home Heating Subsidy application from your ECE Service Centre or the ECE website. The same form covers Income Assistance for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities. You can only get one of the two in a year.
- Gather your documents: proof of age, your Notice of Assessment (and your spouse’s), and proof of ownership (such as a certificate of title, mortgage papers or a property tax notice) or your lease with proof that heat isn’t included.
- Choose whether the money goes to you or to your fuel supplier. You can name up to two suppliers for two types of heat. You can’t switch once payments start.
- Bring everything to your local ECE Service Centre. A family member or advocate is welcome to come with you.
You can apply any time up to March 15, 2027 for the 2026–2027 season, but payments only cover September to April. Applying early means more months of help. ECE aims to reply within a few business days of verifying your documents and, if you’re approved, to issue payment within 2 business days.
What changed in 2026
ECE’s current zone amounts and income limits were revised in August 2025. They’re the same for the 2026–2027 season. You still need to apply each year.
Payment late, missing or different?
- If the money comes to you, check with your bank first.
- If it goes to your fuel supplier, ask them whether the payment was credited to your account.
- Then call your ECE Service Centre, or Income Security Programs at 867-767-9355 (toll-free 1-866-973-7252). ECE aims to return calls and emails within 2 business days.
Common reasons for a problem are a missing document, a change of address or supplier, a move, or being away for more than three months. Tell your Client Navigator about any change in income or housing right away, or you may have to repay money.
If you’re refused, you can appeal in writing within 30 days of the denial letter.
Watch for scams. The Government of the Northwest Territories will never ask for a fee, gift cards or your password by text or email to release a subsidy. If in doubt, call ECE yourself.
Other help you might be missing
- NWT Senior Citizen Supplementary Benefit: an extra $196.00 a month with your OAS if you get the GIS.
- Guaranteed Income Supplement: a monthly top-up for low-income seniors on OAS.
- OAS payment dates: when your federal pension arrives each month.
- Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit: the tax-free quarterly credit that replaced the GST/HST credit.
- Deadlines: application cut-offs, including the March 15 deadline for this subsidy.
Common questions
When is the NWT senior heating subsidy deadline?
For the 2026–2027 season, you can apply any time up to March 15, 2027. The subsidy only covers September to April, so applying early gets you more months.
Can renters get the NWT Senior Home Heating Subsidy?
Yes, if you rent a self-contained unit and heat isn’t included in your rent. You’ll need a copy of your lease.
Is the NWT heating subsidy paid to me or to my fuel company?
You choose. It can go straight to your fuel supplier or to you. Once payments have started, you can’t switch.
Can I get the heating subsidy and Income Assistance?
No. You can’t get the subsidy while on Income Assistance. You also have to choose between it and Income Assistance for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities for the year.