The cold days are coming.

Apply for home heating and energy assistance.

Known commonly as Fuel Assistance, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program provides eligible households with help in paying a portion of winter heating bills.

What you need

Homeowners and renters, including households whose cost of heat is included in the rent, can apply in person at the agency in their area. 

Eligibility is based on household size and the gross annual income of every household member, 18 years of age or older.

Household income cannot exceed 60% of estimated State Median Income

This program provides assistance through a fixed benefit amount for the cost of the primary source of heat with includes, but is not limited to:

• Oil
• Electricity
• Natural gas
• Propane
• Kerosene
• Wood
• Coal

If eligible, discounts are automatically given on:

• electric bills for investor-owned electric utilities
• gas bills for investor-owned gas utilities
• telephone bills

Payments for actual usage or fuel delivery are made directly to the heating vendor for primary energy needs from November 1st to April 30th except when the cost of heating is included in the rent.

Eligibility/Selection Criteria

• There are a variety of factors that impact the eligibility of a household.
• Eligibility is based on household size and the gross annual income of every household member, 18 years of age or older.
• Household income cannot exceed 60% of estimated State Median Income
• FY2019 LIHEAP Income Eligibility and Benefits Level Chart (in attachment)
• Please contact the local fuel assistance agency for detailed information on criteria used for eligibility. 
• Housing subsidies will also determine the specific benefit level

 How to Apply for home heating and energy assistance

In person

• There is no application form for fuel assistance services online. 
• First-time applicants must apply in person at the fuel assistance agency in their area - which can be found using our Service Provider Locator.
• Households must apply each year; applications are mailed to households after the first year.
• Households can apply from November 1st to April 30th of the program year.
• Applicants who are denied assistance have the right to appeal through the local fuel assistance agency.
• You may also take a look at the Cold Relief Brochure

 By phone

Call the Cold Relief Heatline at (800) 632-8175.