Staying Warm in the Winter: Fuel and Utility Assistance

With costs rising, most of us are looking to save on fuel, utility, and energy costs. To help you out, we’ve gathered a list of resources to help those who need assistance with heating. Check out the different ways to get fuel help this winter.

HEAP Program

The Massachusetts Home Energy Assistance (HEAP) Program helps eligible renters and homeowners pay a portion of their winter heating bills from November 1 through April 30. Funded by the Commonwealth and provided through Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD), this program can help pay for a wide variety of heating types, such as oil, electricity, gas, propane, or heat-inclusive rent.

Eligibility is based on the number of people in your family and your gross family income, which must be at or below 60% of the Massachusetts median income. Learn more about the program and eligibility through ABCD, or apply online through HEAP’s client portal.

Salvation Army Good Neighbor Energy Fund

Need fuel assistance, but don’t meet HEAP’s 60% median income requirement? For those who fall between 60% to 80% of Massachusetts’s median income, the Salvation Army Good Neighbor Energy Fund (GNEF) can step in to offer help to those struggling to meet a month’s energy expense. This can be incredibly helpful for those facing a sudden, temporary financial challenge this season.

Get in contact with your local Salvation Army corps to apply. For more information or to locate a corps near you, call 800-334-3047.

Eversource Discount Rate Program

If you receive energy or gas from Eversource, you may be eligible for their Discount Rate program for 42% off electric accounts and 25% off gas accounts.

Unfortunately, there are a few hoops to jump through to apply – not only do you have to be income-eligible by having a household income of under 60% the Massachusetts median, but applicants must also provide proof that they receive benefits under another means-tested program such as SSI or MassHealth.

Applications and documentation can be tricky. For help finding and applying for heating discounts, contact Boston ElderINFO at 617-292-6211.

JOE-4-SUN by Citizens Energy

The JOE-4-SUN program run by Citizens Energy can help low-income households save up to $300 annually on electricity bills by providing bill credits each month.

Unfortunately, the program is a bit complex – the program works by giving you monthly bill credits based on the amount of solar energy produced by Citizens Energy in that month. You’ll then be billed separately for 50% of the credits’ value. Though you’ll be saving 50% of the credit value, you’ll still have to pay the other half. Still, this can save homeowners and renters money each month.

The JOE-4-SUN program is available to Massachusetts residents who receive residential assistance discounts on their Eversource or National Grid bills. To learn more about the program or apply online, visit the JOE-4-SUN webpage.