Seniors in Nova Scotia will soon be able to apply to the Seniors Grant Program, that will allow them to stay in their home longer and improve their quality of life.

It’s $750 a year and now includes home heating costs. To quality you must be 65 years or older by March 31, 2024, live in a home you own or rent and have an income of $37,500 or less.

“We heard from many seniors that last year’s home heating grant made a big difference,” said Barbara Adams, Minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care. “We know that the cost of home heating can be hard, especially for seniors, many of whom are on fixed incomes, so we’ve increased the grant and included home heating as an eligible expense, allowing seniors more flexibility to use the grant in whichever way best suits their needs.”

The grant covers a range of living expenses.

These include:

• healthcare and household services, including physiotherapy, medication and grocery delivery,
• phone services and home repairs

The grant may also be used for home heating costs, such as furnace oil, natural gas and electricity.

Print applications are available at Access Nova Scotia Centres and MLA offices.

Direct deposit for seniors is now available for those who are signed up for direct deposit with the Canada Revenue Agency. All other eligible applicants will continue to receive their payment by cheque.

Seniors who previously opted in to receive the seniors care grant when applying for the property tax rebate for seniors will need to submit a separate application for the grant beginning this year.

Applications close on March, 31.

— at the program website: https://beta.novascotia.ca/apply-help-household-costs-seniors-care-grant
— by email: seniorsgrant@novascotia.ca
— by phone: 1-800-670-4357.