The Pioneer Utility Grant (PUG) is a once-a-year grant from the Government of Yukon that helps seniors 65 and over pay to heat their homes, whether they own or rent. For 2026 the most you can get is $1,382.58 inside Whitehorse city limits or $1,466.50 outside. You must apply every year, and the 2026 window closes on December 31, 2026.
How much you’ll get
Everyone’s grant is different. It depends on your income, whether you’re single or in a couple, and where you live.
| 2026 | |
|---|---|
| — | — |
| Maximum grant, inside Whitehorse city limits | $1,382.58 |
| Maximum grant, outside Whitehorse city limits | $1,466.50 |
| No grant if net income is over (single) | $154,206 |
| No grant if net income is over (married or common-law) | $217,470 |
The grant is income-tested, using the net income (line 23600) on your 2025 Notice of Assessment. Above the limits in the table, you can’t get it at all.
To estimate your own amount, use the government’s Pioneer Utility Grant calculator. It asks where you live, whether you own or rent, what share of the heating costs you pay, whether you’re single or in a couple, and your net income.
Example. A single senior in Dawson City lives outside Whitehorse, so their 2026 grant can be up to $1,466.50. A single senior in Whitehorse can get up to $1,382.58. Either way, if net income is above $154,206, there’s no grant. The calculator shows where you fall.
Who qualifies
- You’re 65 or older in 2026.
- You’re a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- You’ve lived in the Yukon for at least 12 months.
- You’re in the Yukon for at least 183 days of the year, and at least 3 of those months fall in the winter months: January, February, March, October, November and December.
- Your net income is under the limit for a single person or a couple.
It doesn’t matter whether you own or rent.
If you’re away for the winter: if you were away for a long stretch in the first half of the year, you may need to wait before applying. For example, if you were away all of February, you can’t apply until November 1, so that January, March and October count as your three winter months.
How to apply
Documents you need:
- A copy of your 2025 Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment, showing your name and line 23600. Black out your Social Insurance Number and every other line.
- Your spouse’s Notice of Assessment too, even if they’re under 65.
- If you own your home: your 2026 Property Assessment Notice, a stamped property assessment statement, or a water and sewer bill that shows your address.
- If you rent: a Certificate of Tenancy form, filled out and signed by your landlord.
Ways to apply, between July 1 and December 31, 2026:
- Online through the Pioneer Utility Grant application portal. This is the method the government recommends.
- In person at the Income Support Unit, 3168 3rd Avenue, Whitehorse, Monday to Friday, 8:45am to 4:45pm.
- By mail to Pioneer Utility Grant (PUG) (H-4), Health and Social Services, Government of Yukon, Box 2703, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 2C6.
If your package is complete, expect the grant within 30 business days.
Incomplete applications and applications received after December 31 aren’t accepted.
What changed in 2026
- The maximum grant is $1,382.58 in Whitehorse and $1,466.50 outside Whitehorse for 2026.
- Emailed applications are still accepted for 2026, but from 2027, the government will no longer accept applications by email. Email isn’t a secure way to send your personal information. Using the online portal this year will make next year easier.
Payment late, missing or different?
If it’s been more than 30 business days since you sent a complete application, call the Pioneer Utility Grant helpline at 867-667-8772, or toll-free 1-800-661-0408 extension 4. You can also email [email protected], but don’t send personal information by email.
Common reasons for delays are a missing Notice of Assessment (yours or your spouse’s), a missing Certificate of Tenancy or proof of ownership, or a change of address. Report any address change to the helpline.
Watch for scams. The Government of Yukon will never ask for a fee, gift cards or your password by text or email to release your grant. If you’re unsure, call the helpline yourself.
Other help you might be missing
- Yukon Seniors Income Supplement: a monthly top-up for low-income Yukon seniors who get OAS.
- Guaranteed Income Supplement: the federal monthly top-up for seniors on a low income.
- OAS payment dates: when your Old Age Security arrives each month.
- Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit: the tax-free quarterly credit that replaced the GST/HST credit.
- Deadlines: application cut-offs across programs, including this one.
Common questions
When is the deadline for the Yukon Pioneer Utility Grant?
For 2026, applications must be received by December 31, 2026. Applications open July 1 each year.
Do I have to apply for the Pioneer Utility Grant every year?
Yes. You must send a new application, with your latest Notice of Assessment, each year.
Can renters get the Pioneer Utility Grant?
Yes. Include a Certificate of Tenancy signed by your landlord.
How long does the Pioneer Utility Grant take?
If your application package is complete, the government says to expect the grant within 30 business days.
Can I email my Pioneer Utility Grant application?
For 2026 only, emailed applications are accepted, but the online portal is recommended. From 2027, email applications won’t be accepted.