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Concerned about how you’ll heat your home this winter as fuel costs continue to rise? You’re not alone. Fortunately, there are resources that can help.
The state government has released its Fiscal Year 2023 Cold Relief brochure. It contains energy-saving tips like:
- caulk and weatherstrip windows and doors that leak air
- clean or replace your furnace filter every other month
- consider getting a programmable thermostat
- turn your hot water heater temperature down to 120 degrees
and more!
The brochure also contains the current Income Eligibility Chart. You can determine if you qualify for Home Energy Assistance, known commonly as Fuel Assistance.
Eligibility is based on household size and the gross annual income of every household member, 18 years of age and older. Household income cannot exceed 60% of estimated State Median Income. All eligible homeowners and renters, including households whose cost of heat is included in the rent, can apply for assistance.
If you qualify, you can participate in such programs as:
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): this program helps pay a portion of eligible households’ home heating bill during the winter season.
- Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): a year-round program that serves LIHEAP eligible households with air sealing, attic/sidewall insulation, weatherstripping and weatherization related repairs.
- Heating System Repair & Replacement Program (HEARTWAP): a year-round program that serves LIHEAP eligible households with heating system repair, replacement and maintenance services.
To find assistance in your city or town, visit the LIHEAP web page, call the Cold Relief Heatline at 800-632-8175, or download the Cold Relief brochure to find the agency closest to where you live.
For limited-income households that are ineligible for home energy assistance, please contact The Good Neighbor Energy Fund, operated by your local Salvation Army. In area codes 617, 508, 781 and 978, call 1-800-334-3047. In area code 413, call 1-800-262-1320.