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Fuel Assistance (LIHEAP)
- AN OVERVIEW -
For more information, click on the questions below:
Fuel assistance, also known as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), is a government program to help low-income families and individuals pay their heating bills during the winter.
Fuel assistance is for low-income tenants and homeowners, and eligibility is based on your household's gross annual income. If you rent, you may receive fuel assistance even if your heat is included in the rent.
The Fuel Assistance Eligibility Check is an easy way for you to find out if you are likely to qualify for fuel assistance, by answering questions online about your household, your heating costs, and your income. You will see the results of the eligibility check right away, on your computer screen.
On February 1, 2010, the White House released emergency heating assistance funds to help Massachusetts households pay their heating bills. The new maximum Massachusetts LIHEAP Fuel Assistance benefit amounts are:
- $1240 for households that heat with delivered fuels (oil, kerosene, propane, wood, or coal)
- $1055 for households that heat with utility fuels (gas or electricity)
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The amount of fuel assistance you will get depends on your income, your housing status, and your heating costs. Tenants in subsidized housing get a reduced benefit. Some households qualify for extra help if their heating bills last year were very high. You may also be eligible for weatherization services, heating system repairs, and Citizens Energy heat assistance programs. In addition, most gas, electric, and telephone companies give discount rates to people receiving fuel assistance.
You should call the agency in charge of the fuel assistance program in your area. See the Massachusetts Fuel Assistance City/Town Listing on the Massachusetts DHCD web site for the name, address, and phone number of your local fuel assistance agency. You can also call the Massachusetts Heat Line toll-free at 1-800-632-8175 for information. You will need documentation of your income and heating costs when you apply. You may apply any time during the heating season.
Once you are found eligible for fuel assistance, your local fuel assistance agency will notify your heating company. The agency will pay your fuel assistance benefit directly to your heating company, unless your heat is included in your rent. You must pay any part of your heating costs not covered by fuel assistance. If you are eligible for weatherization, emergency furnace repair, Citizens Energy heat assistance, or utility discounts, your fuel assistance agency will explain how to get these benefits.
Links to other web sites with information about fuel assistance (LIHEAP).
Fuel Assistance section last updated on 2/02/10
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