The GNWT just announced that they are permanently increasing subsidy rates and expanding eligibility criteria for their Senior Home Heating Subsidy program. The rate has been increased by up to $1,400 per year depending on the region and other eligibility criteria.
According to the announcement released this morning, the move comes in response to the rising cost of living. For the 2025 to 2026 heating year, the subsidy will be available to more older adults, with the income threshold being increased across regions by as much as $15,000.
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.
Minister Caitlin Cleveland, who is the minister of Education, Culture and Employment, acknowledged that older adults have been made vulnerable by the strain of inflation.
“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,” said Minister Cleveland in the announcement.
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.
The GNWT last issued an enhancement for the subsidy for the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 heating seasons, which added about $60 to $175 per month for older adults who were eligible, depending on the zone and eligibility criteria.
“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,” said Agata Gutkowska, manager of Public Affairs and Communications at the department of Education, Culture and Employment.
Behchokǫ̀, Dettah, Enterprise, Fort Providence, Fort Simpson, Fort Smith, Hay River, K’atł’odeeche, Kakisa, Ndılǫ, and Yellowknife make up what is known as “Zone 1,” while Fort Liard, Fort Resolution, Gametì, Inuvik, Jean Marie River, Nahanni Butte, Whatì, and Wrigley are under the boundary known as “Zone 2.” Further north, 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 are considered to be within “Zone 3.”
Beginning this year the 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.
The home heating subsidy’s income threshold for older adults has also been expanded for each zone, which means that more older adults will be eligible.
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,” said Gutkowska.
The GNWT said that anyone who would like more information on how to apply can head to their subsidy application web page
Some of the information requested by applicants includes proof of age, total household income, and proof of homeownership or rental accommodation to a local ECE Service Centre.
The application deadline for the 2025-2026 subsidy is March 15, 2026, but applicants are encouraged to submit the required documents before the March deadline to begin receiving their subsidy by September, said Gutkowska.
“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.”
Older adults who have already applied for the 2025-2026 subsidy period do not need to re-apply, said Gutkowska.
Jane Weyallon Armstrong, who is the Chair, Standing Committee on Social Development explained the zone rate differences reflect differing costs and needs across regions.
“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,” said Armstrong.
Gutkowska told True North FM that the department is frequently reviews its programs and services to ensure they continue to meet the needs of residents.
“The new rates are calculated using a number of factors, including (but not limited to) average fuel consumption and heating fuel prices by zone.”
Another factor considered was the effect of inflation on “purchasing power.”
“Additionally, as the cost of living continues to rise, the GNWT recognized that this has decreased the purchasing power of seniors. In response, we have increased the income thresholds for the 2025-2026 subsidy period, so more seniors can access the support they need to stay warm through the winter,” said Gutkowska.
“There was no single event that triggered these changes. Instead, it was a combination of long-term economic pressure and consistent feedback from both the public and the Standing Committee on Social Development that led to this decision. We’ve heard clearly that seniors across the NWT are feeling the strain of inflation, and we’re hoping these changes can offer some relief.”
