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Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

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.

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 this link 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).

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.