Heave a sigh of relief

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by Naomi Bloch

For those of you still staring suspiciously at the plain brown envelope from Canada Customs and Revenue, too fearful to open it up and find out how much they want from you--relax. It's tax-free money! Because you're poor!

Since Jan. 31, the federal government has been sending out a special, one-time payment called the "Relief for heating expenses" (RHE). The payment is $125 for singles and $250 for common-law or married couples who filed a 1999 income tax return and qualified for a GST credit. Eligible single parents who already receive an equivalent-to-spouse amount also qualify for $250.

No matter what method of heating you use, or whether you rent or own, if you get GST cheques, you should get an RHE. Natural gas consumers should not confuse this with the refund you can expect from Gaz Métropolitain over the next three months. Depending on a customer's consumption profile, Gaz Mét will be refunding up to 15 per cent of the amount billed.

If you suspect that the government owes you an RHE and the tell-tale envelope has not arrived by Feb. 15, you should contact Canada Customs and Revenue at 1-800-959-1953.