by Dennis Fischman in Consumer Money Saving, Economy & Poverty, Housing, Public Health & Safety
Posted on March 30, 2011 at 2:36 pm
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Do you worry about being able to heat your home during the winter? If you meet income guidelines, you may be eligible for fuel assistance.
Fuel assistance is a government program to help low-income families and individuals pay their heating bills during the winter. It is also known as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Fuel assistance is for low-income tenants and homeowners, and eligibility is based on your household’s gross annual income. If you rent, you may still be able to receive fuel assistance even if your heat is included in the rent.
The amount of fuel assistance you will get depends on your income, your housing status, and your heating costs. You may also be eligible for weatherization services, heating system repairs, and Citizens Energy heat assistance programs. In addition, most gas, electric, and telephone companies give discount rates to people receiving fuel assistance.
To see the types of questions you will have to answer when you apply. (See the sample application on the web site of the Mass. Department of Housing & Community Development at http://www.mass.gov/Ehed/docs/dhcd/cd/liheap/11lip-app.pdf.) Please note that this is just a sample application; you must still file an official application in order to determine eligibility. If you are eligible, you must reapply for fuel assistance each year. After the first year, you will get an application in the mail. Below you will find a chart with the breakdown of household size and maximum income to see if you may be eligible.
| Household size | Maximum Income |
| 1 | $30,751 |
| 2 | $40,213 |
| 3 | $49,675 |
| 4 | $59,137 |
| 5 | $68,598 |
| 6 | $78,060 |
| 7 | $79,835 |
| 8 | $81,609 |
If you live in the Somerville area you should make an appointment at the Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS), located in Union Square; 66-70 Union Square, #104, Somerville, MA 02143. Ask for Claudia Arrecis, our Case Manager, at 617-623-1392 x171. She will be able to assist you with any further questions you may have. Time is running short, because the Program ends on April 30, 2011 and will not reopen until November.
The mission of the Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS) is to reduce poverty among local families and individuals while working to counteract, and whenever possible eliminate, the societal conditions that cause and perpetuate poverty. For more information, see www.caasomerville.org.
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Actually, you will reach Claudia more directly at 617-623-1392 x120. Please call today!
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