Learn about Home Energy Assistance - LIHEAP

The Massachusetts home energy assistance program (LIHEAP) is a free resource to help eligible households pay a portion of winter heating bills.

It is free to apply. You can apply online or in person through a network of local service providers. No matter what type of heating source you have, LIHEAP may be able to help you pay your winter heating bills. All Massachusetts residents are encouraged to explore eligibility for this free program and apply for assistance.

The program is 100% free for those who qualify. Beware of scams by people charging an “application fee” to help submit an application.

Table of Contents

Program Eligibility Information

Eligibility for home energy assistance is based on several factors, including but not limited to household size and combined gross annual income of household members. Homeowners and renters, including households whose cost of heat is included in rent, can apply.

For detailed information on criteria used for eligibility, please contact your local agency.
 

To find your agency:

Income Eligibility:
Household income cannot exceed 60% of Massachusetts’ estimated State Median Income (for example in 2024, $59,359 for a family of 2 and $87,294 for a family of 4).

While income is not the only factor in eligibility, please find the maximum FY 2024 income guidelines in the table below and in this FY 2024 LIHEAP Income Eligibility and Benefit Chart (March 8, 2024) (in the “60% of estimated state median income” column).

Household Size

Maximum Income Level

1

$45,392

2

$59,359

3

$73,326

4

$87,294

5

$101,261

6

$115,228

7

$117,846

8

$120,465

9

$123,084

10

$125,703

*Not all income counts toward eligibility, so please confirm your actual eligibility with your local agency.

How to Apply

The online application opens on October 1 for the upcoming heating season (November 1, 2023 – April 30, 2024). You can submit an application online, in person at the LIHEAP agency in your area, or by mail. Use the LIHEAP portal to find your agency or start the application. Households must apply each year.

  • First time applicants must participate in an intake appointment, to get started please submit an online application or contact your local agency.
  • Applications are mailed to households after the first year and can be renewed online, in person, or by mail.

Necessary Documents

As part of the application process, please be prepared to share necessary information, including but not limited to:

  • photo identification for the head of household or primary applicant (e.g., driver’s license)
  • a list of all household members
  • information on your heating bills (e.g., heating company name and account number)
  • information on your housing situation (e.g., an active lease or mortgage statement
  • proof of income for 30 days prior to application date (e.g., wages, pension)

Eligible Costs and Payment System

This program helps to pay for a portion of the cost of your primary source of heat which includes, but is not limited to: Oil, Electricity, Natural Gas, Propane, Kerosene, Wood, Coal, etc.

In addition, if eligible, discounts are automatically given on electric and gas bills for investor-owned electric and gas utilities.

  • How is the payment made? Payments for actual usage or fuel delivery are made directly to the heating vendor.
  • Which months can be covered? The program helps pay for a portion of your household energy costs from November 1st to April 30th.  

Funding Amount Information

Each year, the amount of money we can provide to support eligible household's changes depending on how much funding is allocated to Massachusetts by the US Department of Health and Human Services. Housing subsidies also determine the specific benefit level.

Benefit Level Chart:

FY 2024 LIHEAP Income Eligibility and Benefit Chart (November 8, 2023)

 

Related Programs

By applying for LIHEAP, you are also applying to the following federally funded programs.

Heating System Repair & Replacement Program (HEARTWAP)

HEARTWAP provides emergency heating system repair and replacement services to low-income households. The Heating System Repair and Replacement Program is administered through a local network of organizations, most of the same that oversee LIHEAP, and your LIHEAP application is the same application for the HEARTWAP program. 

 

Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)

LIHWAP serves eligible households whose water/sewer service has been either terminated for non-payment or when the bill is overdue. This program was created with funds from the American Rescue Plan and the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. The Water Assistance Program is administered through the same network of organizations that oversee LIHEAP and your LIHEAP application is the same application for the LIHWAP program. 

 

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

WAP provides eligible households with full-scale home energy efficiency services. The program is funded by an annual grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, and administered by a network of local agencies, in many areas the same agency that administers the Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP or fuel assistance).   

Supporting Program Documents

Additional Housing Resources

If you are looking for additional housing related support, including weatherization, housing vouchers, public housing, avoiding eviction, etc. please call 211 or check the EOHLC  Resource Locator (select your town from the drop-down at the top to populate the table with the resources for your region).  

Contact   for Learn about Home Energy Assistance - LIHEAP

Phone

Please listen for phone menu options for EOHLC divisions

Kevin Connor, press secretary

Address

Main Office
100 Cambridge St, Suite 300, Boston, MA 02114

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