P.E.I. increases home heating benefit, makes it available year-round
Prince Edward Island is increasing its Home Heating Program benefit to better support Islanders who need help paying for their home heating costs.
The province, in partnership with the Salvation Army, says the benefit will be increased by $200 per household, increasing eligibility up to $1,200. The program will also start operating on a year-round basis.
“No one should be in a position where they have to choose between heating their homes or to go without a basic need,” said Minister of Social Development and Housing Matthew MacKay, in a news release Wednesday.
“With oil and other costs continuing to rise, this financial assistance is intended to ease the burden on families, seniors and individuals who need it most.”
The Salvation Army says they have seen an increased level of anxiety among clients regarding rising home heating costs.
"The Salvation Army is privileged to partner with the government in giving hope to families and individuals across Prince Edward Island to help fulfill this basic need," said Lieutenant John Burton, the leader of The Salvation Army in Charlottetown.
Thresholds for the benefit have been increased by $10,000 for individuals and $15,000 for families or households.
The program will support households for fuel costs for the 2022 and 2023 calendar year for P.E.I. residents who:
- have an individual annual income of $45,000 or less
- have a family income of $60,000 or less
- pay for their own heating costs
Applications are being accepted online, by calling 902-218-1212 or by emailing mar.homeheatingpei@salvationarmy.ca.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Courteney Cox says her partner Johnny McDaid once broke up with her in therapy
Courteney Cox's longtime partner Johnny McDaid once broke up with her in a therapy session.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.