Deadline approaching to apply for home heating fuel rebate

Finance Minister Joan Marie Aylward is reminding the public that May 31 is the deadline for applications for the home heating fuel rebate.

The Department of Finance has received approximately 14,000 applications since the $100 rebate was announced in March. Of that number, close to 9,000 applications have been processed, and 5,654 cheques have been sent to applicants who have met the eligibility criteria and provided appropriate documentation.

The one-time rebate applies to households that used furnace oil, stove oil or propane gas as the primary source of heat between October 1, 2002 and March 31, 2003.

Only one person per household may apply for the rebate. In order to receive this rebate, the applicant or his/her spouse must have received any portion of the provincial HST Credit, the Newfoundland and Labrador Seniors� Benefit or the Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit since July 2002. Individuals or families that receive Social Assistance in either of the months January to May 2003 will also be eligible for the rebate, providing they use heating fuel as their primary source of heat. The following table provides the family income levels above which the program does not apply.

Individuals will have to apply to the Department of Finance for the rebate and provide an invoice or statement showing that home heating fuel was used in the October 1, 2002 to March 31, 2003 period. Application forms can be obtained by calling 729-1695, toll free at 1-877-729-1695. They are also available online at

Media contact: Josephine Cheeseman, Communications, (709) 729-0329

2003 05 28                                        3:00 p.m.