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Fuel
Assistance
Helps homeowners and renters pay home heating bills and past due balances on utility bills.
TO REACH FUEL ASSISTANCE CALL 978-342-4520
About Fuel Assistance (LIHEAP)
The Massachusetts’ home energy assistance program (LIHEAP) is a free resource, offered by Making Opportunity Count in partnership with the Department of Housing and Community Development, to help eligible households pay a portion of winter heating bills. You’ve reached the right place to apply and get the process started!
Fuel Assistance (also known as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) helps eligible households challenged by the high cost of home heating fuel pay a portion of their winter heating bills.
This program provides assistance through a fixed benefit amount for the cost of the primary source of heat, which includes, but is not limited to Oil, Electricity, Natural Gas, Propane, Kerosene, Wood and Coal. 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.
How To Apply
You can begin the application process here or set up an appointment to visit us in person at 165B Mill Street, Leominster. If you need help completing the application, we are happy to provide free assistance.
As part of the application process, please be prepared to share necessary information, including but not limited to photo identification, a list of all household members, proof of income, information on your heating bills, and your housing situation
How to send us your application and other requested documents.
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Mail information to: Making Opportunity Count, 165B Mill Street, Leominster, MA 01453.
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Email documents to: fuelassistance@mocinc.org
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Fax documents to: 978-334-0735
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Drop box available at our 165B Mill Street office.
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Self service services are available M-F, 8:30A - 4:00P
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Complete an application online at: www.toapply.org/MassLIHEAP
Please note, given the volume of applications we receive it can take quite some time for your application to be processed. Please be patient. You can check the status of your application by calling 978-342-4520.
NEW APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2023-24 SEASON WILL BE ACCEPTED STARTING NOVEMBER 1, 2023.
The online portal will open on October 1, 2023.
- Applicants may save their information and return to it at a future date.
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Please be sure to include all members of your household on your application, including children. Your benefit is determined by the number of people who live in the household and your combined income.
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For faster processing, online applicants should be prepared to upload supporting documents listed below from your phone, tablet or computer. It is strongly recommended to have them with you before you start the process.
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You may also mail, fax or email documents to the agency after you submit the application. Please mail documents to us at 165B Mill Street, Leominster, MA 01453.
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Drop box available 24/7 at 165B Mill Street, Leominster, MA 01453.
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Copy services are available Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM at 165B Mill Street, Leominster, MA 01453.
If you have Questions – you can either email us at fuelassistance@mocinc.org or call us at 978-345-7040 ext. 1 to leave a message.
Appointment Locations
ALL SITES ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
Available options to make an appointment:
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Call 978-342-4520
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Visit www.toapply.org/MassLIHEAP and start your Fuel Assistance application
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Visit 165B Mill Street, Leominster, to make an appointment in-person
Monday
MOC Nursery Lane
9:00AM - 5:00PM | 49 Nursery Lane, Suite 201, Fitchburg, MA 01420
Ayer Council on Aging
9:00AM - 2:00PM | 18 Pond Street, Ayer, MA 01432 (1st Monday of the month)
Shirley Council on Aging
9:00AM - 12:00PM | 9 Parker Road, Shirley, MA 01464 (3rd Monday of the month)
Barre/Hardwick Senior Center
9:00AM - 2:00PM | 57 S Barre Road, Barre, MA 01005
Tuesday
Spanish American Center
9:00AM - 12:00PM | 112 Spruce Street, Leominster, MA 01453
Gardner Community Action
9:00AM - 3:00PM | 294 Pleasant Street, #2929, Gardner, MA 01440
Wednesday
North Quabbin Patch
9:00AM - 3:00PM | 109 Lumber Street, Unit 5, 2nd Floor, Athol, MA 01331
Lancaster Community Center
9:00AM - 12:00PM | 39 Harvard Road, Lancaster, MA 01523 (1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month)
Thursday
Fitchburg Center on Aging
9:00AM - 1:00PM | 14 Wallace Avenue, Fitchburg, MA 01420 (3rd Thursday of the month)
Winchendon CAC
9:00AM - 2:30PM | 273 Central Street, Winchendon, MA 01475
Friday
MOC Mill Street Emergencies
9:00AM - 4:00PM | 165 Mill Street, Suite B, Leominster, MA 01453
WHEAT Community Connections
9:30AM - 12:00PM | 272 High Street, Clinton, MA 01510
Townsend CAC
9:00AM - 3:00PM | 16 Dudley Road, Townsend, MA 01469 (1st Friday of the month)
Eligible Applicant 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. 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). To learn if you are eligible, apply here.
$45,392
1 Person Household
$87,294
4 Person Household
$59,359
2 Person Household
$101,261
5 Person Household
$73,326
3 Person Household
$115,228
6 Person Household
Documentation Needed to Apply
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Current valid picture ID for the applicant
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Proof of Address
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Proof of citizenship for all household members
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Proof of Income for all household members
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Gas & Electric bills (and name of dealer if oil/kerosene/propane)
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Copy of your lease, HOWEVER, please note, at your appointment you will be required to complete a rental information release form that we will mail to your landlord. Your file cannot be completed until we receive the completed form back from your landlord.
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If applicable, copy of the recertification housing sheet or letter from the housing authority.
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Wages (4 most recent pay stubs)
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TANF, EAEDC, Social Security, SSI, VA, Workers’ Comp, Pensions (copy of most recent check stub)
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Unemployment (copy of DUA claim record)
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Alimony/Child Support (copy of checks, divorce decree, court order, DOR print out)
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Bank Interest, Dividends (statement from bank, copies of checks, tax forms)
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Rental Income (mortgage interest, property tax, water/sewer, insurance, proof of rent received)
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Self-Employment (copy of Federal Tax Return from previous year)
LIHEAP FAQs
What is LIHEAP and how can LIHEAP help me?
LIHEAP is a federal program that helps qualified households within a certain income threshold pay a portion of their winter home heating bills. In Massachusetts, LIHEAP eligible households may also get help with weatherizing their homes.
Does LIHEAP help pay for water and sewer bills?
While LIHEAP funds can only be used to help you pay to heat your home, by submitting an application you also apply for three additional programs: the federally funded household water assistance program (LIHWAP), which helps eligible households pay a portion of their overdue water and sewer bills, the Heating System Repair and Replacement Program (HEARTWAP) and Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). Read more about LIHWAP, HEARTWAP, and WAP.
Will LIHEAP pay for my heating bill for the entire winter season?
LIHEAP is not designed to pay for all of your home energy costs for the year, but rather to reduce the burden of heating costs from your main heating source on your budget. However, many investor-owned utility companies (gas and electric) offer a discount rate, which reduces a certain percentage off your monthly bills just for being qualified for LIHEAP.
How are benefit levels determined?
Generally, benefits levels are determined based on home energy costs, taking into account household size and income, as well as other factors.
If I rent or live in subsidized or public housing, can I receive help from LIHEAP?
Renters are eligible for LIHEAP assistance. Many renters pay for their energy costs directly, while others pay these costs indirectly, through their rent. In either case, you may be eligible for LIHEAP if you otherwise meet the program qualifications.
You said I don’t qualify for LIHEAP. I think you made a mistake. What can I do?
You have the right to appeal any decision made by us. The appeal process is outlined in the denial notice that you received. If you didn’t receive a denial notice or cannot find the notice that explains the appeals process, contact our office for further information. We will explain the appeals process to you.
Tel: 978-345-7040
Fax: 978-343-7360
© 2023 by Making Opportunity Count