How to apply

1. There is no application form for fuel assistance services online.
2. First-time applicants must apply in person at the fuel assistance agency in their area – which can be found using our Service Provider Locator.
3. Households must apply each year; applications are mailed to households after the first year.

Who is eligible for fuel assistance?

You must: have an electricity or natural gas account for a NSW residential address, which is your primary place of residence and the account must be active at the time of your assessment (all other accounts are not eligible) be the electricity or natural gas account holder (your account and bill must be in your name)

How long does it take to get approved for fuel assistance in Massachusetts?

How long does it take to find out if I have been approved for Fuel Assistance? Normally, it takes approximately 6-8 weeks from 11 /1 or your application completion date (whichever is later) to have your application processed.

What are the qualifications for energy assistance?

To be eligible for this benefit program, you must need financial assistance with home energy costs. A person who participates or has family members who participate in certain other benefit programs, such as SNAP, SSI, TANF, may be automatically eligible.

Is it too late to apply for fuel assistance in Massachusetts?

Households must apply each year; applications are mailed to households after the first year. Households can apply from November 1st to April 30th of the program year. Applicants who are denied assistance have the right to appeal through the local fuel assistance agency.

How can I get help with utility bills?

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) may be able to help with:

1. Assistance to pay your heating or cooling bills.
2. Emergency services in cases of energy crisis, such as utility shutoffs.

How do I qualify for a free refrigerator?

Basically, to qualify for free appliances your household’s income can’t be more than 60 percent of the state’s median income or 150 percent of federal poverty guidelines. Both the state median income and federal poverty guidelines are adjusted every year. They can be found on the Federal Register’s website.

How does fuel assistance work in Massachusetts?

The Joe-4-Oil Heat Program offers free heating oil to people who can’t afford to pay their heating bills. Each eligible household can receive a one-time delivery per heating season of 100 gallons of home heating oil, free of charge. To apply for assistance, call 877-563-4645.

How do I check my fuel assistance in MA?

To check application status 24/7 call: 978-374-7660.

Is LIHEAP the same as heap?

LIHEAP is a federally funded program aimed to assist low-income households that pay a high portion of their income to meet their energy needs. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) provides one-time financial assistance to help balance an eligible household’s utility bill.

How long does it take for energy assistance?

The approval process for the Regular Benefit is 30 days. Payments are made within 15 days of approval. Emergency Services applications are approved within 48 hours.

Is the Liheap program still open?

The LIHEAP final State Plan for Federal Fiscal Year 2022 was submitted to the U.S. Department of Health and Human ServicesOpens In A New Window and is available for viewing.