KEEP WARM IN MASSACHUSETTS

Need help with heating costs?

Winters are harsh! You work hard. Heat is expensive. The cost of staying safe, warm and healthy can be too much. There is help available to pay your heating bills through the Home Energy Assistance Program (also commonly referred to as Fuel Assistance, and more formally known as LIHEAP – the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program).

Home Energy Assistance programs play a critically important role to protect public health and safety by ensuring that all families and individuals have safe access to home heating.

IMPORTANT NOTICES

APPLY ONLINE STARTING OCTOBER 1, 2023!

Program runs November 1, 2023 – April 30, 2024. You can apply any time during the season and the benefits are retroactive.

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Have Questions? Visit the FAQs page for answers to common inquiries.

ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Fuel Assistance

The Fuel Assistance program assists eligible households pay their heating bills during the winter/spring season or until benefits are exhausted. Clients also receive various discounts such as telephone discounts, electric discounts, and gas and oil discounts. Clients will also be provided help with past due arrearage management as well as access to the other energy assistance programs that help save money.

Weatherization

The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is a year-round program that serves income-eligible households with air sealing, attic/sidewall insulation, weather-stripping, and weatherization related repairs.

Equipment & Appliances

Heating System Repair & Replacement Program (HEARTWAP) is a year round program that serves income-eligible households with heating system repair, replacement and maintenance services.

The Appliance Management Program (AMP), in partnership with National Grid and Eversource, through energy audits can replace certain appliances that are inoperable or inefficient, like refrigerators, freezers, window air conditioners, washing machines, and dehumidifiers.

About Energy Assistance

Home energy assistance programs include a set of important federally-funded initiatives and utility partnership programs that help to protect public health and safety by ensuring that all families and individuals have safe access to home heating fuel, equipment, and other measures. These programs are outlined above (LIHEAP, WAP, HEARTWAP, and AMP).

Do I Qualify?

Do I Qualify?
Eligibility is based on household size and the gross annual income of every household member over the age of 18. Household income cannot exceed 60% of estimated State Median Income (view eligibility chart). If you are not sure, call your local agency. There are other funds available to help you save on heating costs.

Who Can Apply?

Homeowners and renters are eligible – including households whose cost of heat is included in the rent and not subsidized.

ENERGY ASSISTANCE INCOME ELIGIBILITY LEVELS

Household Size	Gross Annual Income	4 Week Gross Income (if paid once per month)	4 Week Gross Income (if paid weekly or bi-weekly)
1	$45,392	$3,782	$3,491
2	$59,359	$4,946	$4,566
3	$73,326	$6,110	$5,640
4	$87,294	$7,274	$6,714
5	$101,261	$8,438	$7,789
6	$115,228	$9,602	$8,863

Where Should I Apply?

AT THE ENERGY ASSISTANCE AGENCY IN YOUR AREA

Additional Resources

For utility company problems, please call the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) at 1-877-886-5066. Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities.

For limited income households who are not eligible for fuel assistance, please contact The Good Neighbor Energy Fund operated by your local Salvation Army:
In area codes 617, 508, 781, or 978: 1-800-334-3047
In area code 413: 1-800-262-1320

Mass 2-1-1: For non-emergency social service programs, dial 211

MASS SAVE also provides help with energy costs and assessments.

Need more help?

Contact your Community Action Agency.

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