Massachusetts Fuel Assistance (LIHEAP)

Quick Facts

• Program umbrella: Administered by local Community Action Agencies (CAAs) on behalf of the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).
• Benefit range: $400–$1,600 per season based on income, household size, and fuel type; supplemental payments for extreme weather events.
• Utility coordination: Works with National Grid, Eversource, and municipal light plants to prevent shutoffs and enroll clients in discounted rate programs.
• Arrearage Management Programs (AMPs): Participants can erase past-due balances by making on-time payments while receiving LIHEAP.
• Weatherization linkage: Approved households are fast-tracked for weatherization services and heating system repairs via the HEARTWAP program.
• Extended services: Some CAAs offer heating system cleanings, furnace repairs, and oil tank replacements in partnership with HEARTWAP.

Program Overview

Massachusetts Fuel Assistance protects low-income households from energy insecurity during harsh New England winters. The program is rooted in LIHEAP funding but enhanced by state appropriations that expand benefits and support energy efficiency upgrades. Applicants apply through their local Community Action Agency, which verifies eligibility, calculates benefits, and communicates with energy vendors. Once approved, payments are sent directly to the utility or fuel company, appearing as credits on bills or authorizations for deliveries.

Massachusetts emphasizes a holistic approach. During intake, CAAs assess broader needs—food assistance, housing counseling, income support—and make referrals. Many agencies schedule energy education sessions that teach thermostat programming, insulation techniques, and payment plan strategies.

2025 Enhancements

• Digital portal: HeatingHelpMA.com launched an online intake system allowing applicants to upload documents, sign forms electronically, and track application status.
• Fuel-neutral benefits: Benefit levels were equalized so oil and propane customers receive comparable assistance to gas/electric customers, addressing price volatility.
• Cooling assistance pilot: Selected counties offer summer electric grants for households with medical conditions requiring air conditioning.
• Language expansion: Online portal and call centers now support Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Cape Verdean Creole, and Vietnamese in addition to Spanish and English.
• Debt forgiveness boost: Utility regulators approved higher AMP forgiveness caps for customers enrolled in LIHEAP and discounted rate plans.

Eligibility Breakdown

1. Residency: Applicants must live in Massachusetts and have proof of address (lease, mortgage statement, utility bill, shelter letter).
2. Income: Household income at or below 60% of State Median Income. For 2024–2025, a family of four can earn up to approximately $87,150 annually. CAAs consider gross income from all sources.
3. Heating responsibility: Applicants must pay for heating, either directly or through rent. If heat is included in rent, rent must exceed 30% of gross income.
4. Citizenship/ID: Social Security numbers requested but not required; CAAs accept alternative IDs such as passports, consular IDs, or birth certificates. Immigration status does not disqualify applicants.
5. Documentation: Proof of household income for the past 30 days, identification for all members, and current heating bill or landlord statement.
6. Reapplication: Annual reapplication required; priority given to elderly (60+), disabled individuals, and families with children under six.

Application Roadmap

1. Locate CAA: Use HeatingHelpMA.com to find your local agency based on ZIP code. Schedule an appointment online or by phone.
2. Gather documents: Collect income proofs, IDs, Social Security cards (if available), utility bills, and lease/landlord statements.
3. Submit application: Complete online form or attend in-person/phone intake. CAAs assist with form completion, gather signatures, and provide translation as needed.
4. Verification: Caseworkers review documents, request missing items, and verify fuel vendor details. Submit outstanding documents within 30 days to maintain queue position.
5. Approval notice: Within 30 days (or 48 hours for crisis cases), you receive a determination letter detailing benefit amounts, vendor payments, and AMP enrollment instructions.
6. Vendor payment: Credits appear on utility bills or fuel vendors receive authorization codes for delivery. Keep invoices as proof.
7. Follow-up services: CAAs schedule energy assessments, connect clients to weatherization, and assist with applying for discounted utility rates (e.g., National Grid Discount Rate, Eversource Discount Rate).

Documentation Checklist

• Government-issued ID or alternative for applicant and household members
• Social Security cards (if available) or affidavits
• Proof of residence (lease, mortgage statement, shelter letter)
• Proof of income for all household members over 18 (pay stubs, unemployment, SSI/SSDI, pension, self-employment ledger)
• Current heating bill or fuel delivery receipt
• Landlord letter if heat included in rent
• Copies of shutoff notices or past-due bills for crisis prioritization
• Bank statements if applying for AMP or payment plans

Timeline Benchmarks

• November 1: Standard application period opens.
• December–January: Peak processing. Submit early to avoid delays.
• Within 30 days: Standard processing timeline; crisis applications resolved within 18–48 hours.
• March 15: Deadline for first-time applicants to guarantee full benefits; late applicants may receive prorated aid.
• April 30: Last day to submit applications for the season.
• Year-round: AMP monitoring continues; keep payment plan commitments to receive forgiveness.

Strategies for Maximizing Benefits

1. Apply early: Early applications ensure access to full benefits and extra crisis funds later in the season.
2. Document all expenses: Provide rent receipts, utility costs, and proof of medical expenses. Some CAAs factor medical costs into hardship prioritization.
3. Enroll in discounted rates: Most utilities offer 25%–36% discounts for LIHEAP participants. Request enrollment immediately after approval.
4. Leverage weatherization: Schedule a home energy assessment to receive insulation, air sealing, and appliance upgrades. These improvements reduce future bills and increase home comfort.
5. Use AMP strategically: If you have large arrears, enroll in AMP to earn forgiveness for every on-time payment. Combine with LIHEAP credits to remain current.
6. Request fuel delivery coordination: If you use oil/propane, authorize your CAA to contact vendors. They can secure lower prices through bulk purchasing agreements.

Common Pitfalls

• Incomplete income documentation: Self-employed applicants often submit profit-and-loss statements without supporting ledgers. Provide bank statements and invoices to avoid delays.
• Missing landlord verification: Renters with heat included must submit the DHCD Landlord Verification form. Start early to give landlords time to respond.
• Ignoring recertification notices: Failing to respond to annual recertification requests causes benefit gaps. Set calendar reminders.
• Not reporting household changes: Inform CAAs when household size or income changes to adjust benefits and avoid overpayments.
• Skipping AMP requirements: Missing AMP payments forfeits debt forgiveness. Set up auto-pay or reminder systems.

Coordinated Supports

• SNAP & WIC referrals: CAAs prescreen for food assistance during LIHEAP intake.
• Rental assistance: Connect to RAFT (Residential Assistance for Families in Transition) for rent arrears.
• Senior services: Councils on Aging coordinate LIHEAP outreach, home visits, and fuel delivery for seniors.
• Emergency furnace repair: HEARTWAP provides emergency heating system repair or replacement for eligible households.
• Utility rights workshops: MassCAP hosts webinars explaining consumer rights, shutoff protections, and dispute resolution.

Success Stories

• Cape Cod retiree: Mr. Silva, on a fixed income, received $1,200 in fuel assistance plus a new high-efficiency boiler through HEARTWAP. His oil consumption dropped by 30%.
• Boston single mother: Tasha enrolled in AMP, and each $75 payment erased $150 of arrears. LIHEAP credits kept her National Grid account current while she completed a workforce training program.
• Western Mass landlord-tenant partnership: A landlord partnered with the local CAA to weatherize a duplex, reducing both units’ heating costs and preventing future arrears.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can undocumented immigrants apply? Yes. LIHEAP in Massachusetts does not require immigration status; agencies accept alternative IDs and confidentiality is protected.

Does LIHEAP cover electric heat? Absolutely. Submit your electric bill showing heating usage. Benefits apply to electric resistance and heat pump systems.

Can I get help with past-due balances? Yes. Combine LIHEAP benefits with AMP or utility arrearage programs. Provide shutoff notices to prioritize your case.

Is there summer assistance? Limited cooling assistance exists through targeted pilots and medical hardship exemptions. Ask your CAA about fan or air conditioner vouchers.

Do I need to reapply every year? Yes. Even if your income hasn’t changed, you must recertify to continue receiving benefits.

Resource Directory

• HeatingHelpMA.com: Application portal, document upload, agency locator.
• MassCAP Hotline: 800-632-8175 for statewide assistance and language support.
• Community Action Agencies: Provide intake appointments, case management, and wraparound services.
• Mass Save: Energy efficiency program offering rebates and financing for home upgrades.
• Massachusetts Attorney General’s Consumer Hotline: Assists with utility disputes and shutoff issues.

Glossary

• LIHEAP: Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, federal funding source for fuel assistance.
• HEARTWAP: Heating Emergency Assistance Retrofit Task Weatherization Assistance Program for heating system repairs.
• AMP: Arrearage Management Program that forgives past-due utility balances with consistent payments.
• CAA: Community Action Agency administering fuel assistance locally.
• State Median Income (SMI): Income benchmark used for eligibility.

By applying early, gathering thorough documentation, and leveraging companion programs like weatherization and AMPs, Massachusetts households can tame high winter energy bills while building long-term energy efficiency and financial stability.