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What's New? Fuel Assistance Help 11/3/2005 - Q: Will there be help to pay fuel bills this winter? A: Yes. Rising gasoline prices have prompted concerns among seniors about the cost of heating their homes this winter. The state will offer fuel assistance to households with limited incomes. Last year, the state provided helped more than 130,012 households. This winter, a single person with gross annual income (before taxes) up to $19,140, or a married couple up to $25,660 per year, will qualify for some fuel assistance. There is no asset test for the fuel aid program. The amount of fuel assistance this season is likely to range from $415 to $609, with added benefits for high energy costs. The state uses a formula that gives the lowest income households with the highest fuel costs, the most benefits. According to the state's fuel assistance plan, roughly $74.29 million in federal funds could be coming to the state, depending on final Congressional action. Of that total, around $53 million would be for heating assistance. Because of the spike in fuel costs, more state funding is considered a likely possibility. The application period for fuel assistance grants is November 1, 2005, to April 30, 2006. There is no priority given to seniors or disabled people, so be sure to apply for fuel aid early in the heating season, and don't wait until your last delivery. Homeowners are eligible for the program, but so are renters. A renter who pays their own heating bill directly is eligible for fuel assistance, and a person whose heat is included in the rent may also qualify, if their total rent payment is greater than 30% of their household income. Some renters are not eligible for this program. If someone is living in public housing, and their rent is limited to 30% of their income, and they don't pay for heat directly, they will not get fuel assistance. If you are not sure if you qualify, contact the program and ask how your situation will be handled. The fuel program also has a "fast track" application process for people who are experiencing a heating crisis, such as a utility shut off notice, or an empty oil tank. A fuel crisis also includes a person with no heat, for any reason, or someone facing the imminent loss of heat. There are 28 agencies across the state that will determine if you are eligible for the fuel program, and pay your fuel dealer towards the cost of your heating bills. This fuel assistance program, which is known as the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will cover payments for oil, propane, wood, or coal, as well as natural gas and electric utilities. To find out where you can get fuel assistance, you should contact the "Energy Assistance Agency" nearest you. The Department of Housing and Community Development has a toll-free HEATLINE number you can call to find out the fuel assistance program in your area. Call 1-800-632-8175, or 617-573-1560. Back to What's New?
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