Am I Eligible?
NOTE: Glossary words are highlighted. Click on any glossary word to see its definition.
Who is eligible for fuel assistance?
Most low-income households are eligible for fuel assistance:
You can use the Fuel Assistance Eligibility Check to see if you might qualify for fuel assistance.
Note: Some renters living in subsidized housing (such as Section 8 housing) with heat included in the rent are not eligible for fuel assistance. Check with your local fuel assistance agency if you are in this situation.
What are the income limits?
Eligibility for fuel assistance is based on the current combined gross annual income of everyone in your household 18 years of age or older. Current gross annual income means income that you are getting now, from all sources, such as a job, government assistance, pensions, child support payments, interest on savings, etc., before any deductions.
The income limits depend on the number of people in your household. To be eligible for fuel assistance, your household's gross income must be less than or equal to 60% of the estimated state median income for your household size, as shown in the table below:
Fuel Assistance Income Limits
Winter 2009-2010
| Household size |
Gross annual income
60% estimated state median income |
| 1 |
$29,126 |
| 2 |
$38,087 |
| 3 |
$47,049 |
| 4 |
$56,011 |
| 5 |
$64,973 |
| 6 |
$73,935 |
| 7 |
$75,615 |
| 8 |
$77,295 |
| 9 |
$78,976 |
| 10 |
$80,656 |
For larger households, see FY2010 LIHEAP Income Limits on the DHCD web site.
What income is counted?
Income limits for fuel assistance are based on your household's current gross annual income. You must include income from all household members age 18 or older.
Fuel assistance agencies usually look at your income for the four consecutive weeks before your application date to determine your annual income. If your income in these four weeks is not your usual income, you should explain your situation to the agency worker.
Types of income that are counted include:
- wages, overtime, bonuses, and tips
- housing expenses paid by your employer in place of income
- unemployment benefits
- Social Security
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- TAFDC and EAEDC
- veterans' benefits
- retirement, pension, and annuity income
- self-employment income, including odd jobs
- real estate and rental income
- worker's compensation
- alimony and child support (and mortgage/rent payments made in lieu of alimony/child support)
- interest income, minus the first $100 received each year
- dividends
- financial support from family and friends
- estate or trust income
- lump sum income that you received within 12 months of the application date, including:
- insurance payments except life insurance and payments to a third party
- inheritances
- capital gains
- cash prizes and lottery winnings
- pension/retirement fund/IRA withdrawals (except early withdrawals)
Types of income that are not counted include:
- certain scholarships, loans, and grants
- certain part-time earned income of children
- the first $100 of interest
- the cash value of food stamps
- tax refunds and earned income credits
- proceeds from a loan
What are the asset limits?
Assets are things you own and money you have saved. In most cases, there are no asset limits for the fuel assistance program. The amount of money you have and the value of things you own do not affect your eligibility for fuel assistance.
However, there are special rules if you own real estate property other than your primary home. If you own a vacation home, second home, or other property that does not provide income to support your household, you will probably be denied fuel assistance. You have the right to appeal this decision.
Can noncitizens get fuel assistance?
Noncitizens are allowed to get fuel assistance.
The fuel assistance application asks for Social Security numbers (SSNs) for all household members. However, you do not have to provide Social Security numbers to be eligible. The SSNs are used in a wage match to check the income information you give on the application.
Sponsor deeming is not used for sponsored noncitizens applying for fuel assistance. Getting fuel assistance benefits will not hurt your chances of becoming a legal permanent resident.
Am I eligible for other energy programs?
Most fuel assistance households are also eligible for several other energy programs:
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Weatherization: Weatherization services are available from the government and from private utility companies. You are eligible if you meet the requirements for fuel assistance, if have a household member who receives TAFDC or SSI, or if you qualify for a discount rate from the utility company. Renters and homeowners may take part in these programs. However, tenants must get permission from their landlords. See Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) for more information.
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Emergency heating system repair and replacement: Homeowners who are eligible for fuel assistance can get help with heating system repairs or replacement from the Heating Energy Assistance Retrofit Task Weatherization Assistance Program (HEARTWAP).
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Utility discounts: Different utility companies have different eligibility requirements. Generally, if you receive government assistance such as fuel assistance, TAFDC, MassHealth, or food stamps, you will qualify for discount rates from the gas, electric, and telephone companies. See Utility Discounts.
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Electricity conservation programs: These programs, offered by the electric utility companies, are for low-income customers. The electric company will send a technician to your home to analyze your electricity usage. You may qualify for free insulation, replacement lights, and possibly a new refrigerator. See MassSAVE.
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Citizens Energy heat assistance programs: The Citizens Energy Oil Heat program offers a free one-time delivery of 100 gallons of home heating oil per heating season per household. The Citizens Energy/Distrigas Heat Assistance Program (CEDHAP) gives a $150 gas utility bill credit. You may qualify for these programs if you have used up your fuel assistance benefits, or if you are not eligible for fuel assistance but are still in need of help. You must heat with oil or natural gas and have a financial hardship. See Citizens Energy Heat Assistance Programs.
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