Winter is approaching, and if the thought of struggling to pay your heating bills sends a chill down your spine, worry not. Massachusetts officials want you to take a closer look at the support available to you from the LIHEAP program.
The Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities brings good news through its Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This statewide initiative, funded by the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, aims to help eligible households stay warm by shouldering a portion of their winter heating bills.
You Can Apply Now for LIHEAP in Massachusetts
Mary Knittle, Director of Energy Resources for the Worcester Community Action Council, emphasizes the program’s significance. The program is set to help reduce the burden of paying these bills, she explained. Despite a slight decrease in energy costs compared to the previous year, the cost of living in Massachusetts remains high, making energy bills a perpetual concern.
Contrary to common misconceptions, LIHEAP is not an exclusive club. Families of four with incomes as high as $87,294 and single individuals earning up to $45,392 can qualify for assistance. The program, administered by community action agencies across the state, welcomes all residents of the Commonwealth.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Qualifies for the Money
Eligibility for assistance hinges on factors such as household size and combined gross annual income for residents aged 18 and older. Whether your heat is included in your rent or not, qualifying households can receive aid for all heating sources, including oil, electricity, natural gas, propane, kerosene, wood, and coal.
The application process is straightforward. Knittle reveals, “We already have about 10,000 applications that came to us, and we’ve processed about half of them.” While the program is experiencing a surge in interest, your patience is appreciated.
Joining the assistance program opens doors to more than just bill relief. If you use publicly-held utilities like National Grid or Eversource, you enjoy a discounted rate throughout the year, even when running your air conditioner in the summer. Plus, being on the discounted-rate list shields you from heat termination notices, prioritizing emergencies.
Your Winter Warmth Checklist
- Check Eligibility: Don’t hesitate—apply, even if you think you might not qualify.
- Apply Online: Visit our user-friendly online portal or drop by your local agency to submit your application.
- Enjoy Discounts: If you use National Grid or Eversource, savor discounted rates all year long.
- Emergency Protection: Rest easy knowing your heat won’t be terminated during emergencies.
- Explore Additional Benefits: From appliance upgrades to energy conversions, LIHEAP has more in store for you.
Applications for home energy assistance are currently being accepted online at toapply.org/massliheap, now through April 30. The program began Nov. 1.