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:
- Check the Online Portal or use this lookup tool
- Call Cold Relief Heatline: (800) 632-8175.
- Read the FY 2025 Cold Relief Brochure (ID your local agency by matching the number next to your town name to the agency number)
Income Eligibility:
Household income cannot exceed 60% of Massachusetts’ estimated State Median Income.
While income is not the only factor in eligibility, please find the maximum FY 2025 income guidelines in the table below and in this FY 2025 HEAP Income Eligibility & Benefit Chart - November 2024 (in the “60% of estimated state median income” column).
| Household Size | Maximum Income Level |
|---|---|
| 1 | $49,196 |
| 2 | $64,333 |
| 3 | $79,470 |
| 4 | $94,608 |
| 5 | $109,745 |
| 6 | $124,882 |
| 7 | $127,720 |
| 8 | $130,559 |
| 9 | $133,397 |
| 10 | $136,235 |
*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, 2024 – April 30, 2025). You can submit an application online, in person at the HEAP agency in your area, or by mail. Use the HEAP 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 2025 HEAP Income Eligibility & Benefit Chart - November 2024
Related Programs
By applying for HEAP, 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 HEAP, and your HEAP application is the same application for the HEARTWAP 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 (HEAP 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 - HEAP
Online
Phone
Please listen for phone menu options for EOHLC divisions
Kevin Connor, press secretary