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
Affordable Access Transit Pass
You are eligible if:
- You have a household income that is $49,000 or less.
- 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 are an adult (18 years of age or over).
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.
You must provide:
- A completed application form.
- 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
Recreation Access Program
You are eligible if:
- You are a resident of the Halifax Regional Municipality,
- You can provide proof of financial need.
- You have not yet paid for recreation programming.
Please note:
- 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.
You must provide:
- A completed application form.
- Proof of financial need in the form of any of the below:
- Notice of Assessment for individuals over 18 years.
- Letter or Stamp from the Department of Community Services.
- Proof of Income Assistance or stamp from the Department of Community Services.
NOTE: Approval is based on Statistic Canada's 2026 Low Income Table (pictured below).
Property Tax Exemption and Deferral Program
You are eligible if:
- Have a gross household income per Table T each year (see Appendix A)
- Your principal residence is located within the Halifax region and has a maximum taxable accessed value of $425,000 (property value) for the current year.
- Must be the registered owner or co-owner of the residential property. Application must name each resident of the residence.
- The property is your principal residence (located within the Halifax region) and has a maximum capped accessed value of $425,000 (property value) for the current year.
- Rebate and/or a deferral of payments on your tax bill per Table T
- Have a gross household income* and/or proof of net world income of all persons living on the property is $59,000 or less each year. See Table T (table pictured below) for additional information.
- You are the registered owner or co-owner of the property.
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.
You must provide:
- A completed application form.
- Proof of Income for the previous tax year for all residents over the age of 18, this includes:
- Spouse, common law partner, or domestic partner
- Children over the age of 18
- Other residents
- Income from a boarder/renter (not claimed on CRA Tax Return).
