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How can I get help with my heating bills?

 

With the cold weather here, household heating bills will be on the rise. There are several home heating assistance programs available in Massachusetts that can help you and your family stay warm this winter season:

Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)

Also known as Fuel Assistance, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps eligible households pay a portion of winter heating bills.

HOW TO APPLY: Homeowners and renters can apply for LIHEAP at the agency in their area. Click here for an agency listing by town. 

Click here for a sample LIHEAP application. Remember that you’ll still need to go to your local LIHEAP agency to apply.

WHO CAN APPLY: Eligibility is based on household size and the gross annual income of every adult household member. You are eligible for LIHEAP if your total household income doesn’t exceed 60% of estimated State Median Income. Click here to see a chart that shows whether you are eligible for LIHEAP.

Heating System Repair & Replacment Program (HEARTWAP)

The Heating System Repair and Replacment Program provides heating system repair and replacement services to low-income households.

WHO CAN APPLY: Households that are eligible for LIHEAP are eligible for HEARTWAP services.

Households are served based on need.  Typically, a homeowner who has no-heat or an unsafe heating system situation can call the local agency.  The agency then contracts with local heating repair technicians to fix the problem.  

HOW TO APPLY: You can apply for HEARTWAP at the agency in their area. Click here for an agency listing by town. 

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

The Low Income Weatherization Assistance Program provides eligible households with full-scale home energy conservation services.

WHO CAN APPLY: Households that are eligible for LIHEAP are eligible for WAP services

HOW TO APPLY: Your LIHEAP Application also serves as an application for WAP. Homeowners and renters can apply for LIHEAP at the agency in their area. Click here for an agency listing by town. 

The Salvation Army’s Good Neighbor Energy Fund

If you are not eligible for fuel assistance, you may be eligible for help from the Salvation Army’s Good Neighbor Energy Fund, which offers one-time grants for eligible consumers.

WHO CAN APPLY: The Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund is available to any Massachusetts resident who, because of temporary financial difficulty, cannot meet a month's energy expense and is not eligible for state or federal energy assistance. You can see full eligibility requirements here.

For more information about eligibility criteria and where to apply, please call 1 (800) 334-3047 in area codes 617/508/781/978 or 1 (800) 262-1320 in area code 413.

Visit the website to learn more about this program.

Discount Rates

WHO CAN APPLY: If you receive any means-tested public-benefit program (like Medicaid) or are eligible for LIHEAP, you may be eligible for a discount rate from your gas and electric companies. 

HOW TO APPLY: You can contact your gas or electric company to determine if you qualify for the discount rate. Click here to see which electric or gas company serves your town.

For more information about home heating assistance programs you can call the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development Energy Assistance Programs at 1 (800) 632-8175 or visit their website here. 

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