Maine Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

Quick Facts

• What it does: HEAP pays a share of a household’s annual heating costs, provides emergency fuel deliveries or utility payments when service is at risk, and links applicants to weatherization, energy audits, and appliance replacement programs.
• Who runs it: MaineHousing oversees HEAP and contracts with nine regional community action agencies, tribal housing authorities, and social service organizations to conduct intake, verify eligibility, and pay vendors.
• Why it matters: Maine relies heavily on delivered fuels like heating oil and kerosene. Cold winters and volatile fuel markets make heating bills unpredictable—HEAP stabilizes costs and protects seniors, families, and medically vulnerable residents from hypothermia and budget crises.
• How much assistance is available: Benefit amounts vary widely because HEAP calculates payments using a detailed formula that considers fuel usage, price, income, and dwelling characteristics. Many households receive $600–$1,200, while high-usage or crisis cases can exceed $3,000 with supplemental funds.
• When to apply: Applications open July 1 for the upcoming heating season, but you can apply anytime. Early intake ensures benefits post before the first delivery. Crisis services operate year-round when fuel is dangerously low or electricity is disconnected.

Program Overview

HEAP is part of the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program but customized for Maine’s climate. Most households heat with oil or propane, which require large lump-sum payments. HEAP deposits funds directly into a dedicated fuel or utility account so vendors can credit deliveries as they occur. Payments typically arrive in November or December if you apply early, but crisis requests are processed within 48 hours when life-threatening conditions exist.

The program has three main components:

1. Regular Assistance: Provides a one-time annual benefit that offsets heating costs. Funds remain available in your vendor account until depleted; unused balances carry over to the next season.
2. Emergency Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP): Delivers fuel or pays electric reconnection fees when you have less than three days of fuel, receive a disconnection notice, or experience heating equipment failure.
3. Weatherization & Energy Education: Eligible households may receive free insulation, air sealing, heat pump installations, or energy coaching. MaineHousing coordinates these services with HEAP to improve long-term affordability.

Eligibility Details

Income eligibility is determined by comparing gross household income over the past 30 days (or 12 months, if more representative) to 60% of Maine’s state median income. MaineHousing posts charts each year; for example, in 2025 a two-person household can earn up to roughly $45,000 annually. Households automatically qualify if they receive Supplemental Security Income, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or certain veteran benefits.

Other requirements:

• You must be responsible for heating costs. Renters whose heat is included in rent qualify only if the rent exceeds 30% of income and the building uses electric heat; agencies use a renter benefit matrix to calculate assistance.
• Provide Social Security numbers for all household members or documentation showing noncitizen eligibility (such as permanent resident cards).
• Submit the most recent heating bill, delivery ticket, or statement from your landlord verifying you pay for heat.
• Provide government-issued photo ID for the applicant and birth certificates for children if requested.
• For crisis services, provide evidence of imminent loss of heat (low fuel gauge, utility disconnect notice, or landlord affidavit).

Applicants do not need to own their homes. HEAP serves renters, mobile home residents, and homeowners alike. Seasonal residents are generally ineligible unless they prove the Maine dwelling is their primary residence.

Benefit Calculation Formula

Maine uses an Energy Burden Reduction Model to estimate the cost of heating the home and the share HEAP can pay. Inputs include:

• Historic fuel usage (gallons or kilowatt hours) from vendor statements.
• Current fuel price per gallon (updated weekly from the Governor’s Energy Office).
• Dwelling type, square footage, and energy efficiency rating.
• Household income and size.

The model establishes a Base Benefit Level. MaineHousing applies vulnerability add-ons for seniors, young children, and medically fragile members. Renters receive benefits based on a table using rent amount, heating type, and household size. If fuel prices spike mid-season, MaineHousing may issue supplemental benefits to all active accounts.

Crisis assistance covers the actual cost to prevent loss of heat. Agencies may deliver 100–150 gallons of oil, fill propane tanks to a safe level, or pay the minimum amount to reconnect electricity. If equipment fails, ECIP can fund emergency repairs or replacements when no other resources exist.

Application Steps

1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact your local community action agency (e.g., Kennebec Valley Community Action Program, Penquis, Opportunity Alliance). Many offer online scheduling.
2. Complete Pre-Intake Forms: Fill out household information, income worksheet, and consent forms. Some agencies allow e-signatures.
3. Gather Documentation: Proof of income (paystubs, benefit letters), Social Security cards, photo ID, fuel bills, and landlord verification if heat is included in rent.
4. Attend the Interview: Interviews can occur in person, by phone, or via video. Caseworkers review your documents, explain benefits, and may screen you for other programs.
5. Sign Vendor Agreements: Select your primary fuel vendor. HEAP funds cannot be transferred easily once assigned, so choose the vendor you trust.
6. Monitor Notifications: Approval letters indicate benefit amount and vendor payment details. Vendors receive payment notices and credit your account.
7. Request Crisis Help if Needed: If your tank runs low before benefits post, call the crisis hotline (1-877-886-3631). Provide your application number to expedite service.

Maximizing the Program

• Apply early (July–September) to avoid winter backlogs. Early applicants receive funds before cold weather hits, reducing reliance on high-interest payment plans.
• Track fuel usage by creating a simple spreadsheet. Recording delivery dates, gallons, and prices helps caseworkers calculate accurate benefits and helps you negotiate with vendors.
• Opt into budget plans offered by fuel companies. Many vendors let you spread costs over 10–12 months. HEAP payments reduce the monthly amount due, stabilizing your cash flow.
• Request weatherization during your interview. HEAP households receive priority for insulation, air sealing, heat pump rebates, and refrigerator replacement programs run by Efficiency Maine.
• Coordinate with LIHWAP for water/sewer bills, and with Maine’s Low Income Assistance Program (LIAP) for electric bill discounts if you are a Versant or CMP customer.
• Use energy education resources. Agencies provide tips on thermostat settings, programmable thermostats, smart plugs, and window treatments that reduce consumption.
• Plan for emergencies. Store a small stash of electric heaters, blankets, and heating fuel so you are safe while waiting for crisis deliveries.

Common Mistakes

• Waiting until winter to apply: Appointment slots fill quickly, and benefits may not post before the first major cold snap. Mark calendar reminders for July 1.
• Incomplete income documentation: Provide all pages of paystubs and bank statements. Missing documents delay approval.
• Switching vendors without notice: If you change fuel suppliers, notify your agency immediately. Otherwise, payments go to the old vendor and you may experience delivery delays.
• Underreporting household members: HEAP calculates benefits partly on household size. Failure to include roommates or children can reduce payments or trigger repayment demands.
• Ignoring landlord verification: Renters must submit the Renter Warrant form. Ask your landlord to complete it promptly.

Crisis Planning

Maine winters can bring blizzards that shut down roads. Develop a plan:

• Check fuel levels weekly during cold spells. Call for delivery before dropping below 25% to avoid emergency fees.
• Maintain heating equipment. Schedule annual tune-ups; HEAP crisis funds can sometimes cover emergency repairs but not routine maintenance.
• Prepare for outages. Keep flashlights, battery backups, and NOAA weather radios. If you rely on medical equipment, register with your utility for priority restoration.
• Know warming centers. Local municipalities publish warming shelter locations during extreme cold. Keep contact information handy.

Integration with Other Benefits

HEAP interacts positively with many programs:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Qualifying for HEAP can increase your SNAP benefit via a standard utility allowance.
• General Assistance: Municipal welfare offices consider HEAP payments when calculating emergency aid, often reducing the amount you need to borrow.
• Property Tax Fairness Credit: Documenting high heating costs can help you claim Maine’s refundable tax credit.
• Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program: Many agencies process LIHWAP applications alongside HEAP to address water bills.
• Weatherization and Heat Pump Rebates: HEAP households receive top priority for Efficiency Maine upgrades, including ductless mini-split heat pumps that lower future heating costs.

Appeals and Customer Rights

If your application is denied or you disagree with the benefit amount, submit a written appeal within 15 days to MaineHousing. You have the right to a fair hearing, representation by legal aid, and access to your case file. Benefits cannot be withheld due to unrelated debts owed to the state.

Agencies must provide language interpretation, disability accommodations, and nondiscriminatory service. Report concerns to MaineHousing’s Energy Services division at 207-626-4600.

Example Households

• Single senior in Aroostook County: Receives $1,100 in HEAP benefits due to high oil usage and limited Social Security income. Weatherization installs attic insulation, reducing fuel consumption by 20% the next year.
• Family of four in Portland: Uses electric heat. HEAP pays $800 to Central Maine Power and enrolls the household in the Electricity Lifeline Program, cutting bills by another $300 annually.
• Seasonal worker in Bar Harbor: Hospitality wages fluctuate. The agency averages 12 months of income to prevent disqualification during high-earning summer months, ensuring support during winter unemployment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does HEAP cover wood or pellets? Yes. Provide receipts showing the cost per cord or ton. Agencies will calculate an equivalent benefit and may issue vendor vouchers.

Can I get help with furnace replacement? Crisis funds can cover emergency repairs. For full replacements, request referral to MaineHousing’s Central Heating Improvement Program (CHIP).

What if I live in subsidized housing with heat included? You may still qualify for a partial benefit if your rent exceeds 30% of income or if you pay separately for electric heating. Submit the renter worksheet for evaluation.

How do I access my vendor balance? Contact your fuel company. They can provide account statements showing HEAP payments and remaining credits.

Can college students apply? Yes, if they meet income guidelines and pay their own heating costs. Provide class schedules to show residency during winter.

Additional Resources

• MaineHousing HEAP hotline: 1-877-886-3631.
• Community Action Agency directory: https://www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/energy/heap.
• Efficiency Maine rebates and heat pump installer lists.
• Legal Services for the Elderly (1-800-750-5353) for appeals assistance.

Maine’s HEAP is more than a payment—it is a gateway to long-term energy stability. Building a relationship with your local agency, maintaining organized records, and taking advantage of education and weatherization offerings ensure your home stays safe and warm through Maine’s harsh winters.