How do I qualify for the Affordable Access Program?
All applicants are evaluated based on Statistics Canada’s Low Income Cut-Offs for the current year. For some programs, applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Review the program guidebook to learn more
Recreation Access Program
You are eligible if:
- You are a resident of the Halifax region.
- You can provide proof of financial need.
- You have not yet paid for recreation programming.
You must provide:
- A completed application form.
- Proof of financial need must be included with your application and be one of the following:
- Current Notice of Assessment for all household (family unit)** members 18 years or older from the Canada Revenue Agency;
- a letter from the Nova Scotia Department of Opportunities and Social Development;
- a referral from a community professional who is qualified to assess financial need and is associated with a recognized community-based agency; or
- a valid Welcomed in Halifax Card (WIH) with a photo ID.
Please note:
- Household (family unit)** members are all family unit members living in the same residence and are related by blood, marriage, common-law or adoption.
- Approval is based on the per the Recreation Access Program Statistics Canada’s 2026 Low income cut-offs (LICOs) before taxes table pictured below.
- The program does not reimburse individuals who have already paid. If you have already paid, you can apply for assistance for another season.
- The municipality has the right to limit access when necessary.
Affordable Access Transit Pass Program
You are eligible if:
- You have a household (family unit)** income of $59,000*** or less for 2026/27.
- You are not receiving assistance from the Nova Scotia Department of Community Service. These services include: Child, Youth and Family Supports, Income Assistance and Employment Support, Disability Support Program.
- You do not have a valid Welcomed in Halifax Card (WIH).
- You are an adult (18 years of age or over).
You must provide:
- A completed application form.
- Proof of financial need must be included with your application and be one of the following:
- Current Notice of Assessment for all household (family unit)** members 18 years or older from the Canada Revenue Agency;
- a proof of income statement (option 'c' print) from the Canada Revenue Agency showing total income on line 15000;
- a letter from the Nova Scotia Department of Opportunities and Social Development; or
- a referral from a community professional who is qualified to assess financial need and is associated with a recognized community-based agency.
Please note:
- Household (family unit)** members are all family unit members living in the same residence and are related by blood, marriage, common-law or adoption.
- $59,000*** is the maximum household income outlined in Table T (listed under the Property Tax Exemption and Deferral Program).
Property Tax Exemption and Deferral Program
You are eligible if:
- Have a gross household* income per Table T (pictured below) each year. Must include all household (family unit) members 18 years or older.
- Your principal residence is located within the Halifax region and has a maximum taxable property value value of $425,000 for the current year.
- Must be the registered owner or co-owner of the residential property.
- Application must name each resident of the residence.
- Rebate and/or a deferral of payments on your tax bill per Table T (pictured below).
Eligible applicants must provide:
- A completed application form.
- Proof of financial need must be included with your application and be one of the following:
- Current Notice of Assessment for all household* members 18 years or older from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA); or
- a proof of income statement (option 'c' print) from the Canada Revenue Agency showing total income on line 15000.
- Eligible applicants must include the following (as applicable):
- a Schedule T1, for any NET World income
- a statement of rental activities for any rental income from a boarder/renter (not claimed on CRA Tax Return).
- a business statement from your Income Tax Summary for any working from home/self-employed claims.
Please note:
- A mobile homeowner can apply for a rebate or payment plan but not a deferral.
- A home includes a condo, mobile home or duplex.
- For mixed-use properties, only the residential portion can be used to calculate the rebate value. Commercial or resource value is separate and not eligible for this program.
- Under Administrative Order 10, NET World Income must be declared.
- A household* includes all family unit members living in the same residence (related by blood, marriage, common-law or adoption) and other residents (e.g. roommates, etc).
