How to Apply for Fuel Assistance in Massachusetts

Winter brings cold, sleet, ice and snow to many regions of the United States. For low-income families and families facing financial hardship due to many bills or loan payments, heating a home during winter can be a financial stressor. In Massachusetts, residents may be eligible to receive assistance. The assistance helps cover fuel costs. In some cases, the money is enough to cover all costs; in other instances, the homeowner may need to pay whatever cost the assistance does not cover.

• 1

  Log on to the Massachusetts Resources website and complete the Fuel Assistance Eligibility Check. This is an online tool used to calculate whether you qualify for fuel assistance. According to Massresources.org, you must answer two short sets of questions about your family size, income and heating requirements. You will see if you are eligible after taking the survey.

• 2

  Contact your local fuel assistance program office. For a list of offices, see the website provided by the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development. You can also call 1-800-632-8175.

• 3

  Contact an alternate agency in Massachusetts if you are not eligible for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Other agencies in Massachusetts, such as the Good Neighbor Energy Fund and Citizens Energy Heat Assistance Programs, offer fuel assistance in Massachusetts. For both of these programs, you must be ineligible to receive LIHEAP benefits, be a Massachusetts resident and be facing financial hardship. Contact these agencies to apply.