The Government of Nova Scotia has announced a support package worth $13.2 million to help low-income Nova Scotians as gas prices and the cost of living continue to rise.
The funding, announced by the province Thursday, includes:
- A one-time payment of $150 to all current income assistance recipients, including Disability Support Program participants receiving income support. For example, a single parent on income assistance with three children will receive $600.
- A one-time payment of $150 to all currently eligible recipients of the Heating Assistance Rebate Program. The payment is expected to be made by the end of April.
- $1 million to Feed Nova Scotia to distribute among its 140 food banks provincewide.
- $200,000 to local food banks across the province, which are not part of the Feed Nova Scotia network.
“This is a challenging time for Nova Scotians living on lower incomes,” said Community Services Minister Karla MacFarlane in a news release Thursday.
“Current global events have introduced significant volatility and are driving up basic living expenses for many families, individuals and seniors. They are working hard to stretch their income to make ends meet and this support will make a difference.”
The province says payments to eligible recipients of income assistance and the Disability Support Program will be processed next week.
People who receive assistance through this year’s Heating Assistance Rebate Program will automatically receive the extra $150 payment.
According to the province, the income threshold to qualify for the heating rebate program is $29,000 for single-income households and $44,000 for family-income households.
Nova Scotians are still able to apply to the program on-line and through Access Nova Scotia, and Community Services and MLA offices until March 31.
“Record high fuel prices have created challenges and put financial strain on many Nova Scotians, especially those with low incomes,” said Service Nova Scotia and Internal Services Minister Colton LeBlanc.
“We recognize the impact this is having so we are increasing the rebate we give through the Heating Assistance Rebate program so we can provide more financial help.”
Thursday’s funding announcement is expected to help over 35,000 people who rely on income assistance, as well as over 2,700 Disability Support Program clients.
As of Thursday, Nova Scotians in the Halifax area were paying a minimum price of $1.66 per liter for regular gasoline and $1.93 per liter for diesel.