Good Neighbor Energy Fund

What is the Good Neighbor Energy Fund?

Am I eligible?

What benefits will I get?

How do I apply?

Useful links

What is the Good Neighbor Energy Fund?

The Good Neighbor Energy Fund helps Massachusetts residents pay for winter heating fuel and other energy bills. The Fund is for people who are facing a short-term financial crisis and do not qualify for other fuel assistance programs. It is a joint effort between the gas and electric utility companies and The Salvation Army.

Money for the fund comes from the utility companies, donations from utility customers and businesses, and other charitable donors.

Am I eligible?

You can get help from the Good Neighbor Energy Fund if you are in financial need and do not qualify for government energy assistance programs. The Fund most often helps people who have an unexpected short-term financial crisis. Your immigration status does not matter for this program.

You must meet these requirements to be eligible:

• You are facing a temporary financial crisis that makes you unable to pay your energy bills.

• You are not eligible for government energy assistance programs.

• You are a resident of Massachusetts.

• Your household's gross income is between 60% and 80% of the state median income (SMI).
  
  Note: To figure your annual income, you can count your income from the previous 12 months; or you can count your income from the most recent month times 12.

What benefits will I get?

The maximum amount you can get from the Fund is $300 per household per heating season. The funds are paid directly to your energy supplier.

You can get emergency heating assistance starting December 1, and non-emergency heating assistance starting January 1. Help is given year-round, until funds run out.

How do I apply?

To apply, call the Salvation Army closest to you. For a list of locations, see the Salvation Army's directory of Massachusetts Service Centers.

You may also call the Salvation Army toll-free at 1-800-334-3047 (in area codes 617,508,781,978) or 1-800-262-1320 (in area code 413) for more information.

The Salvation Army starts taking applications for emergency heating assistance on December 1. They accept non-emergency applications starting January 1.

Useful links

These links are external links to web sites that are not part of MassResources.org. When you click on these links, you will leave our site. Click "Back" on your browser to return.

1. Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund
   Official information about the Good Neighbor Energy Fund, including how to donate, how to apply for help, and questions and answers.

Good Neighbor Energy Fund section last updated on 4/14/10