Fuel Assistance

**The Fuel Assistance Program for Winter 2020-2021 will be officially opening on December 1, 2020.
Enrolled households will receive their benefit letter after this date.

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides elderly, handicapped and low-income residents with the financial assistance necessary to meet vital heating and utility expenses. This important program is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Clients may also choose to participate in developing a case management plan to achieve increased financial self-sufficiency to avoid energy related emergencies.

Fuel Assistance applications for vulnerable households (those with at least one member who is elderly, disabled or under the age of 6) are taken beginning on July 1 for the upcoming winter season. This is a pre-registration process for the program which officially opens in early December each year. Those households in this category that applied for the program last year have the choice of submitting their pre-registration application (with all required documents) by mail or calling for a face-to-face interview.

As of September 1, all others wishing to apply for Fuel Assistance must call their local office to schedule an appointment.

The income guidelines listed are for the start of the program year. They may be increased at a later date if funding permits.

Fuel Assistance Program for Winter 2020-2021

2020-2021 Guidelines (effective SEPTEMBER 2020)

*Income guidelines may increase. It is best to apply ahead of time.

Fuel Assistance benefits from $158 to $1575 may be available to homeowners or renters during the winter heating season. Eligibility and benefit amounts are determined by GROSS household income for a 30 day period going back from the appointment day, household size, and annual heating costs. Fuel Assistance benefits are a grant and do not have to be repaid. The Fuel Assistance Program MAY PAY your rent if the heat is included in the rent and your rent is not subsidized. Subsidized tenants who pay their own heat may qualify for a benefit.

Call the office closest to you if you want to make an appointment. Call today!