Massachusetts households facing steep home-heating bills can apply for help through the state's Home Energy Assistance Program, which can lower primary heating costs during the Nov. 1 through April 30 heating season.
The assistance is open to renters and homeowners, but income is a central requirement.
Here's what to know
Residents in Massachusetts can seek aid through the state's Home Energy Assistance Program, or HEAP, according to Boston 25 News.
For approved applicants, the benefit can lower heating costs during the winter season. Household size and annual income are used to determine eligibility. A household must fall at or below 60% of the state's median income to qualify.
From Nov. 1 to April 30, the program helps cover a home's main heating expense, whether that fuel source is oil, electric heat, natural gas, propane, kerosene, wood, or coal.
Homeownership is not required to receive assistance. Renters may qualify as well, including those whose heat is included in their monthly rent.
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More background
Boston 25 News reported that these payments usually go directly to the home's fuel or utility provider, helping reduce a family's out-of-pocket bill.
Some qualifying households can receive utility rate discounts in addition to seasonal heating help. Those discounts may apply to investor-owned electric service and investor-owned natural gas service, offering another way to lower monthly costs.
Massachusetts winters are notoriously cold, so this program can help lower the sting out of days where the highs settle into the teens or lower. There is even more urgency at the moment, as the war involving Iran is potentially set to keep fuel costs at an elevated level.
For vulnerable residents, that can mean putting the household budget under major strain to keep apartments and homes warm and put food on the table. This discount can provide some much-needed relief for those who need it most during the coldest part of the year.
What can be done?
Applications can be completed through a local administering agency.
The state says applications can be submitted in person or by phone, giving households more than one way to get started. People can also use the Commonwealth's online application portal.
The state's provider locator tool can identify the agency serving their community. There is no fee to apply. Boston 25 News noted that applying for HEAP costs nothing, and residents are cautioned not to pay anyone who says there is a fee for application help.
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