Vermont Seasonal Fuel Assistance

Program overview

Vermont’s Seasonal Fuel Assistance program, often referred to as Fuel Assistance or Crisis Fuel, is the state’s implementation of the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Managed by the Department for Children and Families (DCF), Economic Services Division, the program pays a portion of eligible households’ winter heating bills directly to fuel dealers. Benefits are available to homeowners, renters, and people whose heat is included in rent. Because Vermont winters are long and severe, the program supplements heating budgets with average awards ranging from $900 to $2,500, depending on income, household size, fuel type, and energy usage. This comprehensive guide explains eligibility criteria, timelines, application strategies, fuel dealer coordination, crisis procedures, and tips for maximizing energy efficiency to stretch the benefit.

Eligibility criteria

Residency: Applicants must be Vermont residents and provide proof such as a driver’s license, lease, utility bill, or statement from a community organization. Homeless individuals staying in shelters or temporary housing can still qualify.
Citizenship or eligible non-citizen status: U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, asylees, refugees, and certain other statuses qualify. Undocumented household members can be excluded; their income is partially counted, but they will not receive direct benefits.
Household income: Income must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty level, adjusted for household size. Income includes wages, self-employment earnings (after business expenses), Social Security, unemployment, and pensions. Some assistance—such as SNAP or WIC—is excluded. Vermont uses a seasonal income test covering the previous 30 days or the prior tax year, whichever best reflects current circumstances.
Fuel responsibility: Applicants must be responsible for paying home heating costs, either directly to a dealer or as part of rent. Renters with heat included can qualify for a reduced benefit that offsets the embedded heating cost.
Resource test: Vermont’s Fuel Assistance does not require an asset test, but households must disclose bank accounts and other resources on the application.

Application process

Timeline

Seasonal application period: Applications open in late August and remain available through February. Applying early—before October 15—ensures that benefits are ready when heating season begins.
Processing time: DCF aims to process applications within 30 days. Approvals generate a notice detailing the benefit amount and the fuel dealer assigned payment.
Benefit distribution: Payments go directly to the fuel dealer in November or December. Renters with heat included receive a credit applied to their landlord’s fuel account or a pro-rated benefit via the landlord.

How to apply

Online via MyBenefits. Create or log into your MyBenefits account to complete the application. Upload documents such as income verification and utility bills.
Paper application. Download the form from the DCF website or pick it up at district offices, community action agencies, or libraries. Mail or drop off the completed packet.
Phone assistance. Call 1-800-479-6151 to request help. DCF staff or community action partners can guide you through the form and schedule appointments for those needing accommodations.

Documentation checklist

Proof of identity and residency for the primary applicant.
Social Security numbers for household members (if available).
Income verification: recent pay stubs, self-employment ledgers, award letters for Social Security, unemployment, pensions, or child support.
Fuel usage: recent delivery slips, a statement from your fuel dealer, or a landlord verification form if heat is included in rent.
Renters: lease agreement or rent receipt showing that heat is included.
Utility bills: electric or other heating-related bills to document energy usage.

Calculating benefits

DCF calculates benefits using a formula that considers fuel type (oil, propane, kerosene, natural gas, electric heat, wood, pellets), usage history, and household income. Households with higher heating costs or lower incomes receive larger benefits. To maximize your award:

Provide accurate fuel usage history by submitting the last 12 months of delivery statements. If you are new to the home, ask the dealer for average usage for the address.
Document any changes in household composition or income since last heating season. Lower income or additional dependents can increase the benefit.
If you participate in weatherization or energy efficiency programs that reduce usage, note these improvements; DCF may adjust future benefits based on lower consumption, so plan for potential changes.

Working with fuel dealers

Once approved, DCF notifies your chosen fuel dealer and deposits the benefit into your account. To ensure smooth delivery:

Confirm dealer participation. Most Vermont dealers are registered with the program. If yours is not, encourage them to sign up; DCF provides vendor packets upon request.
Schedule deliveries proactively. Contact your dealer when your tank reaches 25–30% full. Automatic delivery customers should still monitor tanks in case of severe weather.
Track balances. Keep statements from the dealer showing the credit applied and deliveries made. If the benefit runs out before winter ends, you are responsible for additional payments unless you qualify for crisis fuel assistance.

Crisis fuel assistance

If you face an emergency—such as running out of fuel, receiving a disconnect notice, or having less than a quarter tank—contact your local community action agency immediately. Crisis Fuel Assistance is available from late November through April. Bring documentation such as shut-off notices, proof of income, and evidence of prior fuel purchases. Crisis benefits can cover:

Emergency deliveries of oil, propane, kerosene, or wood.
Utility reconnections for electric or natural gas heat.
Repairs to primary heating systems when they fail during winter.

Crisis funds are limited, so maintain regular communication with your dealer and budget to avoid emergencies. However, do not hesitate to call if safety is at risk—Vermont prioritizes keeping households safe and warm.

Coordination with other programs

3SquaresVT (SNAP): Enrollment in SNAP may streamline income verification and provide additional benefits like increased standard deductions for Fuel Assistance recipients.
Weatherization Assistance Program: Vermont’s Weatherization Program offers insulation, air sealing, and heating system upgrades at no cost to eligible households. Completing weatherization reduces fuel usage and future costs.
Green Mountain Power and utility discount programs: Electric utilities offer low-income discounts that can complement fuel assistance, especially for electric heat pumps.
Crisis Fuel Partner Programs: Local charities, churches, and Rotary clubs often maintain fuel funds. Use these as a bridge while waiting for state benefits to process.

Energy efficiency and budgeting tips

Schedule a home energy audit. Weatherization agencies assess insulation, air sealing, and heating system efficiency. Improvements can reduce consumption by 20–30%.
Install programmable thermostats. Set temperatures lower when you are away or sleeping to cut fuel usage.
Maintain heating systems. Annual tune-ups improve efficiency and safety. Many fuel dealers offer service plans.
Seal drafts. Use weatherstripping, window film, and door sweeps to prevent heat loss.
Plan fuel purchases. If you budget for supplemental deliveries, request price protection or pre-buy plans. Compare dealer prices before committing.
Use payment arrangements. Some dealers offer budget plans that spread costs over 12 months, reducing winter spikes. Coordinate with Fuel Assistance to ensure payments align.

Reporting changes and recertification

Report changes in address, household composition, or fuel dealer promptly to DCF. If you move, provide updated lease or utility documents. Annual reapplication is required, so keep a file with previous applications, income documents, and fuel statements to streamline the process. Applying early each season ensures continuity of benefits.

Appeals and problem resolution

If your application is denied or benefits are lower than expected, request a fair hearing within 90 days of the notice date. Gather supporting documents such as income statements, fuel bills, or letters from social service providers. Community action agencies and legal aid organizations can represent you during appeals. If you experience delivery issues or suspect a billing error, contact the DCF Fuel Assistance office to mediate with the dealer.

Safety considerations

Monitor carbon monoxide detectors. Ensure detectors are installed near sleeping areas and tested monthly.
Keep vents clear. Remove snow or ice from vents and chimneys to prevent deadly buildup.
Plan for outages. Maintain emergency kits with blankets, flashlights, and battery backups. If you rely on electricity for heat, register with your utility’s medical needs list to receive priority restoration.

Long-term planning

Explore energy transition programs such as Efficiency Vermont’s incentives for heat pumps, pellet stoves, or advanced wood boilers. While initial costs can be high, layering incentives with Fuel Assistance and financing programs can make upgrades affordable. Document savings after improvements to adjust future benefit levels appropriately.

By understanding the nuances of Vermont’s Seasonal Fuel Assistance program—application timing, documentation, crisis procedures, and efficiency strategies—you can maintain a warm, safe home throughout the winter while managing costs effectively. Share this information with neighbors and community organizations to ensure more Vermonters take advantage of the support available.