NWT Heating Subsidy
The NWT Senior Home Heating Subsidy helps low- and modest-income NWT seniors with their home heating costs. A related seasonal Senior Fuel Subsidy provides a one-time payment to help with winter fuel costs. Together, these programs reduce the burden of high northern heating costs for seniors.
Apply before the fuel subsidy deadline (around March 15) to receive the one-time payment of up to $1,000. Confirm your income is within the heating subsidy limit (around $66,000) before applying. Apply to both programs if you are eligible, since they help with different heating and fuel costs.
You may qualify if you are an NWT senior with a low to modest income (up to around $66,000) and you pay for home heating. The related Senior Fuel Subsidy is for eligible seniors who apply before the annual deadline.
Proof you are an NWT senior (60 or older for some programs, 65 for others), proof of NWT residency, and household income information showing your income is within the program limits.
Apply through NWT Education, Culture and Employment for the Senior Home Heating Subsidy. The related Senior Fuel Subsidy has an annual deadline (around March 15), so apply before the deadline for the one-time payment.
A common mistake is missing the fuel subsidy deadline (around March 15), which is annual. Another is not confirming your income is within the limit (around $66,000 for the heating subsidy). People also miss that the two programs are separate and you may need to apply to each.
The Application Helper walks you through each question on this benefit's form in plain language.
NWT Seniors Aging in Place
The NWT Seniors Aging in Place funding helps residents 60 and older lower their home energy costs or do home repairs so they can keep living independently in their own homes and communities. It is designed to help seniors stay in their homes rather than move to care.
View detailsNWT Housing Benefit and Public Housing
The Canada-NWT Housing Benefit and Public Housing Program help low-income NWT residents afford housing. The Canada-NWT Housing Benefit provides up to $800 per month toward rent for households paying more than 30% of their gross income on rent, and Public Housing offers income-based assistance in Housing NWT-owned units in 31 communities.
View detailsNWT Senior Citizen Supplementary Benefit
The NWT Senior Citizen Supplementary Benefit (SCSB) is a monthly cash payment to low-income NWT seniors to help pay for living costs. It tops up income for seniors who receive the federal Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) or the Allowance.
View detailsFree disability-benefits navigation services are available if you'd like help understanding or applying for this benefit.
Yellowknife, NT
The NWT Disabilities Council exists to educate, advocate, and support the self-determination of all individuals with disabilities in the Northwest Territories. It is the territorial cross-disability organization supporting NWT residents with disabilities and their families.
National
Plan Institute is a Canadian non-profit and registered charity that helps people with disabilities and their families plan for a good life. Its free national Disability Planning Helpline offers one-on-one support with the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), the Canada Disability Benefit, wills and trusts, and future and financial planning. Plan Institute also offers free webinars and online courses on the RDSP, DTC, and building personal support networks. The helpline is free, confidential, and available across Canada by phone, email, and online request form.
Languages: English, Interpretation in ASL and other languages on request
National
The GAIN Program (Guidance & Assistance in Navigating Disability Support) is a free service offered by Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada (VLRC). VLRC's Disability Benefit Navigators provide one-to-one support to help people with disabilities understand and apply for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB), and other federal, provincial and territorial credits and benefits, including help with appeals. Although operated by VLRC, the GAIN Program assists people with all disabilities, not only vision loss.
Languages: English, French
Application denied?
If your application is turned down, the Appeals Guide explains filing deadlines, escalation levels, and where to find free legal and advocate help.
The NWT Disabilities Council exists to educate, advocate, and support the self-determination of all individuals with disabilities in the Northwest Territories. It is the territorial cross-disability organization supporting NWT residents with disabilities and their families.
View detailsGovernment of the Northwest Territories programs and services for persons with disabilities, coordinated through the Department of Health and Social Services.
View detailsAccessible Compass is an independent guide — we are not a government agency and do not process applications or approve benefits. We provide general information only, not legal, medical, or financial advice. Program rules may change. Always confirm with official government sources.
