Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)

FY 2010 LIHEAP and HEARTWAP Notice of Public Hearing 

Program Description

Known commonly as Fuel Assistance, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides eligible households with help in paying a portion of winter heating bills.

Margin Over Rack Prices - Vendor Information

Margin Over Rack (MOR) Prices  

 
Eligible Applicants 

Homeowners and renters including households whose cost of heat is included in the rent can apply at the agency in their area. Click here for an agency listing by town.  Eligibility is based on household size and the gross annual income of every household member, 18 years of age or older. Household income cannot exceed 60% of estimated State Median Income (see chart below). 

Fiscal Year 2010 Information

FY 2010 Vendor Contract  

FY 2010 LIHEAP Abbreviated State Plan  

FY 2010 Information Standardized Application Items and Authorization 

FY 2010 LIHEAP Income Eligibility Chart 

FY 2010 Income Worksheet 

FY 2010 LIHEAP Forms (English version) 

FY 2010 LIHEAP Forms (Spanish version) 

Fiscal Year 2009 Information

Fuel Assistance Provider Listing - Service Locator

FY 2009 LIHEAP Income Eligibility Chart 

FY 2009 LIHEAP Vendor Contracts 

Eligible Activities and Funding Requirements

This program provides assistance through a fixed benefit amount for the cost of the primary source of heat with includes, but is not limited to:

• Oil
• Electricity
• Natural gas
• Propane
• Kerosene
• Wood
• Coal

If eligible, discounts are automatically given on:

• electric bills for investor owned electric utilities
• gas bills for investor-owned gas utilities
• telephone bills

Payments for actual usage or fuel delivery are made directly to the heating vendor for primary energy needs from November 1st to April 30th except when the cost of heating is included in the rent. 
 
Funding Limits

The benefit levels are dependent on the funding allocated to  Massachusetts  by the US Department of Health and Human Services.  Housing subsidies will also determine the specific benefit level.

Selection Criteria

Household size

Gross annual income for all household members, 18 years or older

Selection criteria takes into account households with housing subsidies and those whose cost of heat is included in the rent.

How to Apply

First-time applicants must apply in person at the fuel assistance agency in their area.  Households must apply each year; applications are mailed to households after the first year.  Households can apply from November 1st to April 30th of the program year.  Applicants who are denied assistance have the right to appeal through the local fuel assistance agency.

Additional Program Information

Heat and Eat (HEAT) Fuel Assistant Program 

“Energy Bucks” Campaign

LIHEAP Annual Application

• LIHEAP Outcome Measures 

LIHEAP Data Collection Documents

Fiscal Year 2009 Information

FY 09 Data Collection Instructions 

FY 09 Forms 

LIHEAP 2009 Application 

FY 2009 LIHEAP  State Plan 

LIHEAP Budget Summary 

Fiscal Reporting Forms 

Other Resources

Residential Energy Assistance Challenge (REACh) Evaluation Report 

Winter Energy Task Force Report (published Fall 2008)

FY 2009 LIHEAP Training Conference Presentation 

Winter Fire Safety Presentation 

MA Dept. of Energy Resources, Winter Heating Tips

Massachusetts Community Action Programs

LIHEAP Clearinghouse

Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities

US Dept of Health & Human Services LIHEAP Program

Citizens Energy

Contact

For additional information about LIHEAP, Weatherization, or HEARTWAP, please call the HEATLINE at 1-800-632-8175. 

For more information about other programs, please call 617-573-1400.