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 Income Assistance
The NWT Income Assistance Program provides financial help to Northwest Territories residents 19 and older whose income cannot cover their basic needs, including food, shelter, clothing, and other essentials. It offers enhanced support for people with disabilities and seniors, with expanded eligibility options since July 2025.
View detailsNWT Child Benefit
The NWT Child Benefit is a tax-free payment to help low- and modest-income families with the cost of raising children under 18. It is combined with the federal Canada Child Benefit and paid together, with the full amount going to families with the lowest income and a partial benefit for higher incomes.
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
Indigenous Disability Canada / British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS) is a national, Indigenous-led charitable organization providing cross-disability support and navigation services to Indigenous (First Nation, Métis, Inuit) peoples in Canada with disabilities. It delivers the National Indigenous Navigation Services to help Indigenous persons with disabilities access the Disability Tax Credit, the Canada Disability Benefit, and other federal, provincial and territorial disability benefits.
Languages: English, French
National
Disability Alliance Canada is a national cross-disability non-profit that provides free one-on-one support to help people navigate federal disability programs, including the Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefit (CPP-D), the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), and the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB). They also offer educational guides, training and workshops, and help with applications, reconsiderations, and appeals.
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 details Government ServicesGovernment 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.
