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Fuel
Assistance

Helps homeowners and renters pay home heating bills and past due balances on utility bills.

About Fuel Assistance (HEAP)

The Massachusetts’ home energy assistance program (HEAP) 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!

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Fuel Assistance (also known as the Home Energy Assistance Program) helps eligible households challenged by the high cost of home heating fuel pay a portion of their winter heating bills.

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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, HEAP 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 use the form below to schedule an appointment with us. We are happy to offer free assistance at our office located at 165 Mill Street, Suite 1B, Leominster, MA 01453.

 

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.

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How to send us your application and other requested documents.

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Please note: Due to the volume of applications we receive, it may take longer than you anticipate for your application to be processed.  We appreciate your patience during this time. However, if you'd like to check the current status, please call us at 978-342-4520.

The 2025-2026 season runs between 11/1/25 and 4/30/26

While the online portal opened October 1, 2025, NEW applications 

were accepted beginning on November 1, 2025.

  • Applicants may save their information and return to it at a future date.  

  • 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.   

  • 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. 

  • You may also mail, fax, upload or email documents to the agency after you submit the application.

    • Please mail documents to us at 165B Mill Street, Ste. 1B, Leominster, MA 01453.

    • Drop box available 24/7 at 165B Mill Street, Ste. 1B, Leominster, MA 01453.

    • Upload documents using the contact form below.

    • Copy services are available Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM at 165B Mill Street, Ste. 1B, Leominster, MA 01453.  Tuesday's by appointment only.

 

Contact Fuel Assistance
Please note: this form is intended for general inquiries or to upload information only. 
For any urgent matters or emergencies, please call us directly at 978-342-4520

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HEAP Offices

DROP-IN SERVICES OR BY APPOINTMENT

MOC Mill Street

165 Mill Street, Suite B, Leominster, MA 01453

(978) 342-4520

Monday: 8:30AM to 4:00PM

Tuesday: Emergency Appointments Only

Wednesday: 8:30AM to 4:00PM

Thursday: 8:30AM to 4:00PM

Friday: 8:30AM to 4:00PM

Additional Locations

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Available options to make an appointment:

  1. Call 978-342-4520

  2. Visit www.toapply.org/MassHEAP and start your Fuel Assistance application 

  3. Visit 165B Mill Street, Ste. 1B, Leominster, to make an appointment in-person

MOC River Street

601 River Street, Fitchburg, MA 01453

(978) 345-7040

Tuesdays: 10:00AM - 1:30PM

Thursdays: 8:30AM - 3:30PM

Gardner Community Action

294 Pleasant Street, #2929, Gardner, MA 01440

(978) 632-8700

1st Tuesday of the Month

North Quabbin Patch

109 Lumber Street, Unit 5, 2nd Floor, Athol, MA 01331

(978) 249-5070

3rd Wednesday of the Month

Winchendon CAC

52 Murdock Avenue, Winchendon MA 01475

(978) 297-1667

1st Thursday of the Month

WHEAT Community Connections

272 High Street, Clinton, MA 01510

(508) 370-4943

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 - to view the full Income Eligibility and Benefit Levels, click here.

$51,777

1 Person Household

$99,573

4 Person Household

$67,709

2 Person Household

$115,504

5 Person Household

$83,641

3 Person Household

$131,436

6 Person Household

Documentation Needed to Apply

  • Current valid picture ID for the applicant

  • Proof of Address

  • Proof of citizenship or QAS (Qualified Alien Status) for all household members.

  • Proof of Income for all household members

  • Gas & Electric bills (and name of dealer if oil/kerosene/propane)

  • 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.

  • If applicable, copy of the recertification housing sheet or letter from the housing authority.

  • Wages (4 most recent pay stubs)

  • TANF, EAEDC, Social Security, SSI, VA, Workers’ Comp, Pensions (copy of most recent check stub)

  • Unemployment (copy of DUA claim record)

  • Alimony/Child Support (copy of checks, divorce decree, court order, DOR print out)

  • Bank Interest, Dividends (statement from bank, copies of checks, tax forms)

  • Rental Income (mortgage interest, property tax, water/sewer, insurance, proof of rent received)

  • Self-Employment (copy of Federal Tax Return from previous year)

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) FAQs

What is HEAP and how can HEAP help me?

HEAP is a federal program that helps qualified households within a certain income threshold pay a portion of their winter home heating bills.  In Massachusetts, HEAP eligible households may also get help with weatherizing their homes.

 

Does HEAP help pay for water and sewer bills?

While HEAP funds can only be used to help you pay to heat your home, by submitting an application you also apply for additional programs: the federally funded Heating System Repair and Replacement Program (HEARTWAP) and Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). Read more about HEARTWAP and WAP.

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Will HEAP pay for my heating bill for the entire winter season?

HEAP 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 HEAP.  

 

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 HEAP?

Renters are eligible for HEAP 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 HEAP if you otherwise meet the program qualifications.

 

You said I don’t qualify for HEAP.  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.

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