Are you behind your winter heating bills? Learn about Home Energy Assistance – LIHEAP
If you are making $81,000 a year or less and live with a family of four, the Massachusetts home energy assistance program (LIHEAP) is here to help. The wide range of income-based eligibly for assistance for 1 person of income from $41,000/year to $117,000/year for family of 10 can get help pay a portion of winter heating bills.
It is free to apply. You can apply online or in person through a network of local service providers. No matter what type of heating source you have, LIHEAP may be able to help you pay your winter heating bills. All Massachusetts residents are encouraged to explore eligibility for this free program and apply for assistance.
The program is 100% free for those who qualify. Beware of scams by people charging an “application fee” to help submit an application.
Program Eligibility Information
Eligibility for home energy assistance is based on several factors, including but not limited to household size and combined gross annual income of household members. Homeowners and renters, including households whose cost of heat is included in rent, can apply.
For detailed information on criteria used for eligibility, please contact your local agency.
To find your agency:
- Check the Online Portal or use this lookup tool
- Call Cold Relief Heatline: (800) 632-8175.
- Read the Cold Relief Brochure (ID your local agency by matching the number next to your town name to the agency number)
Income Eligibility:
Household income cannot exceed 60% of Massachusetts’ estimated State Median Income (for example in 2023, $55,461 for a family of 2 and $81,561 for a family of 4).
While income is not the only factor in eligibility, please find the maximum FY23 income guidelines in the table below and in this FY 2023 LIHEAP Income Eligibility and Benefit Level Chart (in the “60% of estimated state median income” column).
| Household Size | Maximum Income Level |
| 1 | $42,411 |
| 2 | $55,461 |
| 3 | $68,511 |
| 4 | $81,561 |
| 5 | $94,610 |
| 6 | $107,660 |
| 7 | $110,107 |
| 8 | $112,554 |
| 9 | $115,001 |
| 10 | $117,448 |
*Not all income counts toward eligibility, so please confirm your actual eligibility with your local agency.
How to Apply
The online application opens on October 1 for the upcoming heating season (November 1, 2022 –April 30, 2023). You can submit an application online, in person at the LIHEAP agency in your area, or by mail. Use the LIHEAP portal to find your agency or start the application. Households must apply each year.
- First time applicants must participate in an intake appointment, to get started please submit an online application or contactyour local agency. If you live in Lowell and surrounding towns, contact Community Teamwork at 978) 459-6161
- Applications are mailed to households after the first year and can be renewed online, in person, or by mail.
Necessary Documents
As part of the application process, please be prepared to share necessary information, including but not limited to:
- photo identification for the head of household or primary applicant (e.g., driver’s license)
- a list of all household members
- information on your heating bills (e.g., heating company name and account number)
- information on your housing situation (e.g., an active lease or mortgage statement
- proof of income for 30 days prior to application date (e.g., wages, pension)
Eligible Costs and Payment System
This program helps to pay for a portion of the cost of your primary source of heat which includes, but is not limited to: Oil, Electricity, Natural Gas, Propane, Kerosene, Wood, Coal, etc.
In addition, if eligible, discounts are automatically given on electric and gas bills for investor-owned electric and gas utilities.
- How is the payment made? Payments for actual usage or fuel delivery are made directly to the heating vendor.
- Which months can be covered? The program helps pay for a portion of your household energy costs from November 1st to April 30th.
Funding Amount Information
Each year, the amount of money we can provide to support eligible household’s changes depending on how much funding is allocated to Massachusetts by the US Department of Health and Human Services. Housing subsidies also determine the specific benefit level.
Benefit Level Chart:
FY 2023 LIHEAP Income Eligibility and Benefit Level Chart (December 5, 2022)
