Frequently Asked Questions

General Program Questions

What is the Affordable Access Program?

The Affordable Access Program allows qualified individuals to apply for municipal subsidized programs. This application allows residents to apply once and have their application package sent to all the programs that they wish to apply for. If you need help with your application, call 311.

How do I submit my application?

Visit our program's application webpage to learn more about how to apply online, in-person or by mail. Once, you review the process, current program application forms (fillable) can be sourced on that webpage as well. 

What are the deadlines for the program?

Visit our Program deadlines webpage for the Affordable Access Transit Pass, Receation Access Program and the Property Tax Exemption and Deferral Program. 

Who do I contact if I have additional questions?
  • Call 311
  • Contact your local Recreation Centre
  • Come into any of our Customer Service Centres

Affordable Access Transit Pass Program

How do I know if I qualify?

In order to qualify, you must meet all of the following requirements:

  • You must live in the Halifax Regional Municipality.
  • Your combined gross household* income is less than or equal to $49,000.
  • You do not receive a transportation subsidy under the Nova Scotia Employment Support and Income Assistance program.
  • You are an adult (over 18 years of age).

*A household is all family members living in the same home related by blood, marriage, common-law or adoption. Roommates are not considered part of the household. Adults are considered persons 18 years and over.

What do I need to apply?

In order to apply, applicants must:

  • Complete (in full) the Affordable Access Program application forms.
  • Provide a copy of one of the following documents:
    • The previous year’s Notice of Assessment or Proof of Income Statement (Option 'C') from the Canada Revenue Agency showing total income on line 15000.
    • A referral from a community professional who is qualified to assess financial need and is associated with a recognized community-based agency.

*A household is all family members living in the same home related by blood, marriage, common-law or adoption. Roommates are not considered part of the household. Adults are considered persons 18 years and over.

Why do I need to provide my household income?

The intent of the program is to improve the accessibility of transit service to low-income residents; therefore, it’s important to determine the income of all adult residents in a household.

What qualifies as household income?

Household income includes:

  • Salary
  • Wages
  • Tips
  • Business income
  • Room and board
  • Insurance benefits
  • Spousal support
  • Investment income
  • Private pensions
  • Government pensions
  • Social assistance
  • Government subsidies
  • Out-of-country earnings
  • Out-of-province earnings

Household income excludes:

  • War Veteran’s Allowance
  • Child Tax Credit
  • GST Rebate
  • Provincial Oil Rebate
  • Pensions under the Pensions Act (Canada), Chapter P-6, sub-section 1-12
When will the application be available?

The application forms are available each year starting in early May and will open for applications in mid-May. Applications can be submitted online (by email) or in-person at one of our Customer Service Centres and municipally owned Recreation Centres. 

Note: Carefully review the application to ensure you have all the documentation required.

Is there anyone who can help me with my application?

Yes. If you need help with your application form, please visit a municipal Customer Service Centre, your local library branch or a community recreation centre.

How do I submit my transit pass application?

You can submit your application via email or mail only.

By mail

  • Please label envelope as follows:
    Halifax Regional Municipality
    Attention: Affordable Access Transit Pass Program
    PO Box 1749
    Halifax, NS Canada B3J 3A5

By email:

  • Email your completed application form.
  • Attach your most recent Notice of Assessment or Proof of Income Statement (Option 'C') from the Canada Revenue Agency showing total income on line 15000.
What is the deadline for applications?

There is no deadline for the applications.

How long does it take for applications to be processed?

Applications may take up to 20 business days to be processed.

If approved for the program, how do I get my passes?

HFXGO - Halifax Transit's online fare payment app

  • Applicants must include the email address associated with their HFXGO (verified) account when applying.
  • Applicants who choose to purchase and use the HFXGO app for their pass will have the 50 per cent discount entitlement sent to their HFXGO account.
    • Note: HFXGO users will be expected to continue using the HFXGO app for the duration of the program year.

Physical monthly pass (alternative option)

  • Participants may bring a photo ID to either the Bayers Road Customer Service Centre or Alderney Gate Customer Service Centre to purchase a physical monthly pass in-person. 
I'm in the program but I don't buy a pass every month. What happens?

There is no obligation to purchase a monthly pass every month.

Recreation Funding Access Program

My application was approved for the program before January 2026. Can I now use a multi-district facility (MDF) instead of a municipally operated facility?
  • Applicants approved after December 1, 2025
    Yes, you can apply your subsidy to your preferred MDF by submitting a request to Recreationaffordableaccess@halifax.ca. In your email, please indicate your preferred MDF and our team will add the correct subsidy amount to your account within 2-3 business days.
    Note: You will not have to reapply to the program to add that subsidy.
     
  • Applicants approved before December 1, 2025 
    No, you must reapply by sending in a new application. 
    Note: The application will be accepted without the required supporting documents as they would have already submitted and received by municipality during the initial application.
What is the deadline for applications?

All application information must be received at least two weeks prior to the start of any program you are interested in registering for. 

If received later, your application will be processed and the discount available for the next time you register for a program.

Do I need to reapply to the Recreation Access Program?

Yes. this is an annual program and discounts do not carry over year to year. 

Example: If you applied in October 2025 you will need to reapply in October 2026. 

Are there any limits on the number of programs I can apply to?

If you qualify for the program, you are welcome to apply to any number of programs for yourself or your family members. 

Can I create a single account for my entire family?

Yes, you can set up an account for your household but you must first set up an account as the primary account holder online or by visiting your local recreation centre. Once created, you can request the account be made a group account (for household members only). Once confirmed, you are able to add each family/household members names into the new group account. 

Can I apply for my nieces/nephews?

No, children and youth who qualify for the program must reside in your household and legally be your dependents. 

Are facility rentals included in the program?

No, facility rentals do not qualify for the program and cannot be discounted. 

Note: Discounted not-for-profit and youth rates available. Please contact your local Recreation Centre directly to learn more.

Property Tax Exemption and Deferral Programs 

Who can apply?
  • The registered owner or co-owner of the property. Registration means that the title to the property is registered with the Nova Scotia Land Registry of Deeds in your name.
    • If there is more than one owner, all owners must sign the application form unless they live out of province.
  • All persons residing on the property must be disclosed on the application form.
  • If there is a living interest, title by adverse possession, power of attorney, or formal trustee, additional information is required. (Copy of the will or trustee papers). Please call 311 for assistance.
  • The combined gross household income and/or proof of net world income of all persons living on the property must be $48,000 or less.
  • The property must be your permanent place of residence (your “home”) not a cottage, second home, investment property holding, vacant lot, or income property.
  • A "home" includes a condominium, a mobile home, or a duplex.
    • A deferral of property tax is not permitted if the property is a mobile home on land not owned by the homeowner.
  • If the property is assessed as Residential and Commercial or Residential Resource, only the Residential portion can be used to calculate the value of any rebate.
How will my exemption be awarded?
  • If you have any debt to the municipality (such as overdue fees, fines, or payment arrears) any credit awarded due to a rebate will be posted as a payment against taxes first then other amounts owed
  • Applications processed and approved by August 15 will have line-item credit on the final bill and applications received after August 15 will have a line-item credit on the following year’s interim (mid-year) tax bill.
When is a deferral not possible?
  • A deferral cannot be awarded to customers whose property tax is paid by a bank as part of a mortgage.
  • The total amount of all taxes or charges deferred cannot exceed 75 per cent of the assessed value of the property.
  • A deferral cannot be backdated, it only applies to the fiscal year in which you make application.
    • Annual application is required to maintain previously deferred balances.
  • You cannot defer:
    • Dangerous and Unsightly Premises fines
    • Snow and Ice Removal fines
    • Solid Waste (garbage) fines
    • False Alarm charges
    • Commercial or Resource Property Tax
    • legal fees
Are there any Special Circumstances to be aware of?
  • Representation by a Trustee, Guardian or Power of Attorney: 
    If the owner of the property has a court appointed trustee, guardian or power of attorney, they must submit proof in the form of legal documentation to the municipality in order for staff to release any information.
     
  • Representation by a Friend or Family Member: 
    If the owner has a friend or family member representing them, or applying to the program on their behalf, a letter signed by the registered owner must be submitted to the municipality in order for staff to release information.
     
  • Death of a Joint Owner: 
    If a joint owner of a property dies, their name needs to be removed from the “tax roll” so they do not receive future tax bills. A copy of the death certificate needs to be sent to Dartmouth Registry of Deeds Office so that the ownership record for the property is correct.