5 Things Massachusetts Households Need to Apply for Fuel Assistance This Winter

Applying for fuel assistance in Massachusetts? You’ll need proof of income for the past 30 days for everyone in your house who earns money.

Having the paperwork ready can save Bay Staters time and a second trip.

Here’s what Massachusetts households need to apply for fuel assistance this winter.

Note: This is general information, not financial advice. Income limits, benefit amounts and deadlines are subject to change, so confirm the current details with your local fuel assistance agency.

1. Photo ID and a Household List

A photo ID for the head of household, such as a driver’s license, comes first.

You’ll also need a written list of everyone who lives in your home.

That list sets your household size, which decides the row of the state’s income chart that applies to you.

Every name counts.

The Massachusetts Association for Community Action, a coalition of local nonprofits, says to bring ID for all household members, including a picture ID for the head of household.

2. 30 Days of Income Proof

Income proof covers the 30 days before you apply, for everyone in your household who earns money.

For workers, that means pay stubs, with four consecutive stubs if you’re paid weekly or two if you’re paid every other week.

If you live on Social Security, disability or Supplemental Security Income, bring a copy of your last check or a printout.

Pension income takes a check stub, a letter from the pension company or a year-end 1099 showing your current gross amount.

Those 30 days count back from your application date.

3. Your Heating Bill

Fuel assistance staff will ask for your heating company’s name and your account number.

They also ask for a copy of your current bill.

If you heat with oil, list the company that fills your tank.

If the bill is in someone else’s name, Cambridge’s office, which serves Cambridge and Somerville, posts a form for that situation.

Local agencies handle applications across the state, so ask yours which forms it uses.

4. Your Lease or Mortgage Statement

You'll also need information on where you live, such as an active lease or mortgage statement.

Renters can apply too.

That includes households whose heat is included in rent.

If you receive a rental subsidy, you’ll also need a current tenant profile.

If you own your home with no mortgage, Cambridge’s forms include a no-mortgage statement.

5. Extra Paperwork for Some Households

Some households need documents beyond the basics, according to the association.

Adults 18 or older who are students need a letter from the school showing they’re enrolled full time.

An adult who claims no income signs a no-income statement.

If you’re self-employed, you’ll need a signed copy of last year’s entire tax return, with all attachments.

When you prepared the return yourself, the signature page must be notarized.

If you receive child support, bring copies of four current payments or a court order with a current copy of the check or stub.

A notarized statement from an ex-spouse also works.

Who Qualifies for Massachusetts Fuel Assistance?

Fuel assistance is open to households whose income doesn’t top 60% of the state median income.

For one person, that works out to $53,585 a year.

Two people top out at $70,073, and three at $86,561.

Four people top out at $103,049, and six at $136,024.

Each added person raises the ceiling.

Renters qualify.

So do households whose heat is included in rent.

The state says you don’t need to be on public assistance or have unpaid heating bills.

If Your Income Is Over the Limit

Ask your local agency before you give up, since the association says many agencies have other funds for households just over income.

Households that heat with oil may also qualify for a one-time benefit of up to $680 from the state’s middle-income heating oil relief.

Your total gross income must be above 60% and below 100% of the state median.

A household of four qualifies with income above $103,049 and up to $171,749.

The benefit covers oil only.

The state says applications open in December and run until April 30, 2027, or until funding lasts.

The state posts an interest form that notifies you when applications open, though that form isn’t the application.

Where and When to Apply for Fuel Assistance

The online application opens every October 1 for a heating season that runs November 1 through April 30.

Households must apply each year.

You can apply online, by mail, or in person or by phone with your local agency.

First-time applicants attend an intake appointment.

After the first year, the state mails you an application, and you can renew it online, in person or by mail.

Cambridge’s office, for example, accepts applications through April 30, 2027.

To find your agency, use the state’s lookup tool or call the Cold Relief Heatline at (800) 632-8175.

After You Apply

After you apply for fuel assistance, expect a letter in the mail, either an eligibility letter or a denial, according to the association.

Approval typically takes 6 to 8 weeks from your application date, and incomplete applications may take longer.

Agencies have a voice line for checking your status, and you’ll need your Social Security number to use it.

If you’re denied, the state’s repair program page, which uses the same application, says you have the right to appeal through your local agency.

Benefit Amounts

That paperwork feeds into your fuel assistance benefit, a fixed amount toward your main heating source.

Household size, income and housing subsidies all help set the level.

The state’s heating help page lists estimated benefits of $870 to $1,450 for households that use deliverable fuels such as oil, propane and kerosene.

Households heated by utilities such as natural gas or electricity are listed at $600 to $1,000.

Governor Maura Healey’s October 5 announcement adds $15 million to raise benefits 20% for oil-heated households and 15% for households heated by utilities.

Payments for actual usage or fuel deliveries go directly to your heating vendor.

The program helps with a primary heat source such as oil, electricity, natural gas, propane, kerosene, wood or coal.

If you’re approved, discounts are automatically given on electric and gas bills from investor-owned utilities.

If your heat is included in non-subsidized rent, you may be eligible for a 30% reimbursement of your monthly rent.

That covers November through April, or up to your maximum benefit.

When You’re Out of Heat

If your heat is out, tell your fuel assistance agency it’s an emergency, since the association says emergencies are handled first.

In Cambridge, heating emergencies include no heat, less than an eighth of a tank of oil or a shutoff notice.

Cambridge’s staff can assist eligible clients within 24 hours.

State law bars gas and electric shutoffs for financial hardship between November 15 and March 15, according to the state’s law library.

For problems with a utility company, call the Department of Public Utilities at 1-877-886-5066.

FAQ

Quick answers to common questions about applying for fuel assistance.

When is the Massachusetts fuel assistance application deadline?

The state says the online application opens October 1 for a heating season that runs through April 30, and households must apply every year.

Your local agency can confirm its cutoff date.

Who qualifies for fuel assistance in Massachusetts?

Households with income at or under 60% of the state median, which is $53,585 for one person and $103,049 for four.

Renters can qualify, including renters whose heat is included in rent.

How do I apply for fuel assistance in Massachusetts?

Apply through the state’s online portal, by mail, or in person or by phone with your local agency.

First-time applicants attend an intake appointment.

Is there a fee to apply for fuel assistance?

No. The state says the program is 100% free and has no application fees.

What if my income is too high for fuel assistance?

Ask your local agency anyway, since the association says many agencies have other funds for households just over income.