What Is HARP in Nova Scotia? Who Gets the $400 Rebate

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Quick quiz: how rebate programs work

Seven questions that apply almost everywhere. Tap an answer to see why.

1. When should you check if you qualify for a rebate?

Many programs refuse work that started before approval.

2. Can you often combine rebates from different programs?

A utility rebate and a government one may stack. Check each program's stacking rules.

3. Why do some rebates need a registered contractor?

Check the official list before you accept a quote.

4. What should you keep for your claim?

Programs often ask for these, sometimes within a short window.

5. Why does your utility matter?

Two homes in one city can have different rebates if they have different utilities.

6. What is a qualified product list?

Check your exact model number before you buy.

7. Can a program's amount or rules change?

Always read the official page, and note the date you checked.

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Short answer: HARP pays $400 per household. You must pay your own home heat. If you live alone, your 2025 net income must be $30,000 or less. If you live with others, your combined 2025 net household income must be $45,000 or less. Apply by March 31, 2027.

Canada’s new heat pump rebate is worth up to $10,000. Get an email the day it opens

Getting the heating rebate? A bigger one is coming. Ottawa says homes that switch off oil, propane or electric baseboard heat save over $1,400 a year on average.

Up to $10,000: if your household earns below the median income
$2,000: for other homeowners who qualify

Stack it with the Nova Scotia rebate open today

Nova Scotia$300 per ton

Ottawa says you can combine them. Each program has its own rules. Amounts are the most you can get.

Applications open early 2027

Join the launch alert

Launch-day email, with what to do first
Who qualifies for the $10,000, once Ottawa says
A short hello now, so you know it worked

Only emails about this rebate. No spam, no sales calls. Unsubscribe anytime.

Read everything we know so far Official page: canada.ca

How much does HARP pay?

$400 for each household, according to the Province of Nova Scotia. It is a one-time payment for the 2026-27 application period. You can apply from October 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027.

Who qualifies for the Nova Scotia heating rebate?

You must pay for your own home heat. Then you need to meet one of these:

You live alone with no kids or dependents, and your 2025 net income was $30,000 or less.
You live with kids, dependents or other adults, and your combined 2025 net household income was $45,000 or less.
You get Income Assistance.
You get the Guaranteed Income Supplement or the Allowance from Service Canada.

Net income is the amount on line 23600 of your 2025 tax return.

What heat does HARP cover?

Almost any fuel counts if you pay for it yourself, such as oil, electricity, natural gas, wood or pellets. These do not count:

Heat that is included in your rent.
Heat for a rental property you own, or other income or investment property.
Heat for a cottage or other seasonal or recreation property.
Heat for a business.
Electric heat if your home uses less than 5,000 kilowatt hours of electricity a year.

Renters who pay their own electric heat can apply. The province has a Landlord Declaration Form for that. There are also forms for people who cut their own firewood or bought wood without a receipt.

How to apply for HARP

Find the 2025 net income for every adult in your home.
Get each adult's Social Insurance Number and date of birth.
Have your 2025 Notice of Assessment and a recent heating bill or receipt ready.
Apply online (you need an email address) or print the paper form and mail it. Paper forms must be postmarked by March 31, 2027.
Save your confirmation number.

It costs nothing to apply. The province's apply page has the form and the full list of papers.

How to check your HARP status

If you applied online, use the province's status page with your confirmation number and postal code. We walk through it, with payment timing, in our guide to payment dates and how to check your status.

What HARP does not do

HARP is $400. It helps with one winter and does not change your home. If you want a lower bill every winter, look at a Home Energy Assessment through Efficiency Nova Scotia (up to $5,000 in rebates for any homeowner) or HomeWarming (free upgrades for lower-income homeowners). The old heat pump programs have closed. Our heat pump update explains what is left.

Common questions

What does HARP stand for?

The Heating Assistance Rebate Program. It is run by the Province of Nova Scotia.

How much is the HARP rebate?

$400 per household for 2026-27.

Who can apply for HARP?

Households that pay their own heat and have a 2025 net income of $30,000 or less (living alone) or $45,000 or less combined (living with kids, dependents or other adults). People on Income Assistance, the Guaranteed Income Supplement or the Allowance can also apply.

Can renters get HARP?

Yes, if you pay for your own heat. Heat included in your rent does not count. Renters with electric heat need the Landlord Declaration Form.

When is the HARP deadline?

March 31, 2027. Paper applications must be postmarked by that day.

How do I check my HARP status?

Use the province's status page with your confirmation number and postal code. It only works for online applications.

Sources, read October 26, 2026: Province of Nova Scotia: Heating Assistance Rebate Program, Province of Nova Scotia: apply, Province of Nova Scotia: check your status.