What is the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program?

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides eligible households with help in paying winter heating bills. The program pays benefits of fixed amounts based on household income and size. LIHEAP operates between November 1st and April 30th, offering financial assistance to residents who are at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Local non-profit agencies determine household eligibility based on income and the number of members in the household. The agency then will make payments on your behalf to the primary heat source vendor (oil, propane, wood or coal dealer or gas or electric utility). Special provisions are made for those households whose heat is included in their rent and those living in subsidized housing. Homeowners and renters are both eligible.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Where can I find sites in my neighborhood to apply for LIHEAP?

Local non-profit agencies administer LIHEAP assistance. In Boston, Action for Boston Community Development operates fuel assistance intake sites in your neighborhood.

List of Neighborhood Centers

What To Bring With You When You Apply

Further information about ABCD fuel assistance

What is the Discount Rate offered by Utilities?

If your income does not exceed 175% of the federal poverty level AND you either (1) receive any means-tested public-benefit program or (2) are eligible for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), you may be eligible for a discount rate from your gas and electric companies.

National Grid Low Income R-2 Rate

Low-income customers may be eligible for a discounted rate. To be eligible, an applicant must be a National Grid customer and receive one or more of the following benefits: Fuel Assistance, Medicaid, Food stamps, Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC), Emergency Aid to Elders, Disabled and Children (EAEDC), Refugee Settlement, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Massachusetts Veterans Service Benefits.

National Grid

NSTAR Discount Rate

If you currently receive certain government means-tested benefits, or qualify for fuel assistance, you might be eligible for the Discount Rate. Since December 2004 NSTAR is required to make customer information available to the Mass. Department of Transitional Assistance to help determine and enroll Discount Rate customers. Customers have the option to exclude their information from this list. NSTAR Electric customers who receive NSTAR's Discount Rate may also be eligible for the Energy Efficiency Program for Lower Income Customers.

NSTAR

Oil Co-Ops

You may consider joining an oil cooperative (co-op). Co-ops often save their members money on their oil and other services, such as energy efficiency services. They may also offer discounts to low-income customers. Many co-ops also offer discount membership fees for senior citizens.

617-524-3950 or 1-800-287-3950, Mass. Energy Consumers Alliance

Comfort Crafted Oil Buying Network: 1-800-649-7473

Does the City of Boston offer any assistance?

HeatWorks Program
The City of Boston's Department of Neighborhood Development (DND) in collaboration with National Grid and Action for Boston Community Development, Inc (ABCD) have partnered to create the HeatWorks program. HeatWorks is designed to lessen the number of heating system emergencies affecting senior citizens during severe winter months.
617-635-0338, HeatWorks

24 Hour Services
Boston residents can also call 617 635-4500, 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week with questions about fuel assistance.

Elderly Commission
The City's Elderly Commission has trained staff ready to answer questions and assist seniors with obtaining fuel assistance services.
617-635-4366, Elderly Commission

Consumer Affairs
For questions or concerns about your heating bill.
617-635-3834, Consumer Affairs

Rental Housing Resource Center
For questions about landlord and tenant rights and responsibilities.
617-RENT (7368), Rental Housing Resource Center

Inspectional Services Department
If you have a no heat emergency and your landlord is unresponsive, contact ISD.
617-635-5322, Inspectional Services Department

Energy Saving Tips for Residents

There are many things we can do to help lower our energy costs.

Energy Saving Tips

Are there other kinds of fuel assistance?

United Way Boston offers limited assistance to Boston Area residents. Call the First Call for Help Hotline at 1-800-231-4377.

The Salvation Army's Good Neighbor Energy Fund offers one-time grants for eligible consumers. 1-800-334-3047, Salvation Army Good Neighbor Energy Fund

Citizens Energy allows families to purchase onetime deliveries of discount home heating oil; call 1-877-JOE-4OIL (1-877-563-4645), for more information.

What is utility shut off protection?

Massachusetts laws prevent utility companies from shutting off service to people in special situations. These laws protect the elderly, low-income families with infants, people with serious illnesses who cannot pay their bills, and low-income families who would be left without heat during the winter months. There are also laws that protect tenants when their landlords do not pay utility bills that are the landlord's responsibility.

Am I eligible?

Senior households, low-income families with infants, people with serious illnesses who cannot afford to pay their utility bills, tenants whose landlords are responsible for utility bills, and low-income people who would be without heat during the winter are eligible for shutoff protection.

What benefits are available?

Utility companies cannot shut off service to households that qualify for shutoff protection. During the winter months, utilities cannot shut off service to low-income households if those households would be left without heat.