Fuel Assistance
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
HEAP is here to help with your heat costs. Applications will be available in October 2024
Massachusetts' Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a free resource offered by PACE 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!
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.
The PACE Fuel Assistance Program serves residents of New Bedford, Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Marion, Mattapoisett, and Rochester. If you are from another community in Massachusetts, please find additional Fuel Assistance Programs in the MASSCAP Fuel Assistance Directory.
If you have already sent in your documentation, please allow us 4-6 weeks to process them.
If you applied previously but have not yet sent in this year’s application, please review the application that has been mailed to you and follow the instructions to complete and return it.
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, $64,333 for a family of 2 and $96,408 for a family of 4).
To learn if you are eligible, apply here.
Headline: HEAP facts and resources
- The HEAP application is FREE! No fee is required to apply, and we offer free help to complete applications. Beware of scams charging an “application fee” to help submit an application.
- Even if heat is included in the cost of rent, you may still be eligible for home energy assistance.
- HEAP provides assistance for all sources of heat, including oil, electricity, natural gas, propane, kerosene, wood, and coal.
- Upon approval, payments are made directly to your heating company.
- You can also check income eligibility and benefit levels. Please note that benefit levels are dependent on funding allocated to Massachusetts by the US Department of Health and Human Services. Housing subsidies will also determine specific benefit levels.
HEAP FAQs
What is HEAP, and how can LIHEAP 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, LIHEAP-eligible households may also get help with weatherizing their homes.
What does HEAP help pay for?
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 Heating System Repair and Replacement Program (HEARTWAP).
- The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP).
Read more about LIHWAP, HEARTWAP, and WAP.
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 at 508-525-4271. We will explain the appeals process to you.
New Applicant ONLINE Application (2024-2025)
2024-25 Heating Season Fuel Assistance applications will be available in October 2024.
- 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 their phone, tablet, or computer. It is strongly recommended to have them with you before you start the process.
- Proof of citizenship - birth certificate or social security card of all household members
- Proof of employment (last 30 days of paystubs)
- Copy of lease or mortgage
- You may also mail or email documents to PACE after you submit the application.
- A Mail Drop Box is also available at 261 Union Street, New Bedford. Please note, given the volume of applications we receive, it can take some time for your application to be processed.
Please note, given the volume of applications we receive, it can take some time for your application to be processed.
Please be patient. You can check the status of your application through our automated phone system by calling 508-525-4271 and following the voice prompts. If you need more information, please email us at help@paceinfo.org.
Below is a checklist of information necessary to process your application. Additional information may be required.
- What to Bring Application
- Source of Income Application
Related Services
If you qualify for fuel assistance, you may also qualify for the Heating System Repair and Replacement Program (HEARTWAP), the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), and/or the Appliance Management Program (AMP).
(HEARTWAP) is a program that exists to repair or replace primary heating systems, (WAP) helps clients install attic and/or wall insulation and perform air sealing to prevent loss of heat, and (AMP) services clients by replacing older, inefficient appliances such as refrigerators and freezers (electricity usage must be reviewed by an auditor first).
If you are interested in any of these programs, please mention this to the fuel assistance staff member who assists you in your application process.
For More Information
For more information about the Heating System Repair and Replacement Program (HEARTWAP) or the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), Visit the following link.