Massachusetts Fuel Assistance (LIHEAP): 2026 Income Limits and How to Apply
LIHEAP — the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, known in Massachusetts as Fuel Assistance — helps households pay winter heating bills between November and April. It covers oil, gas, electric, propane, and other heating sources, whether you pay a utility directly or heat is included in your rent. Because the limit is based on state median income rather than the poverty level, many working families qualify without realizing it.
What LIHEAP (Fuel Assistance) provides
- $200 to $2,400+ per heating season, paid toward your heating bill
- Covers all heat sources: oil, natural gas, electricity, propane, kerosene, and wood
- Renters qualify too — including when heat is included in rent
- Recipients often also qualify for utility discount rates, weatherization, and free heating system repairs
Income limits
| Household size | Annual income limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $47,174 |
| 2 | $55,109 |
| 3 | $64,224 |
| 4 | $73,339 |
Who qualifies
- Massachusetts resident responsible for heating costs (directly or as part of rent)
- Household income at or below 60% of the state median income — about $73,000 for a family of four
- Homeowners and renters both qualify
- Households with seniors, people with disabilities, or children under 6 receive priority
How to apply
- Check your eligibility with our free prescreener
- Gather: photo ID, proof of address, proof of income for all household members, and a recent heating bill (or lease showing heat included)
- Apply through your local Community Action Agency — applications open November 1 each year
- Benefits are paid directly to your utility or fuel vendor
Frequently asked questions
For the 2025–2026 heating season, household income must be at or below 60% of the state median income — about $47,174 for a single person and $73,339 for a family of four. That is well above the poverty line, so many working households qualify.
Benefits range from roughly $200 to $2,400+ per heating season depending on your income, household size, and heating type. Priority households — those with seniors, young children, or members with disabilities — may receive larger benefits.
Yes. Renters qualify whether they pay heating bills directly or have heat included in their rent. If heat is included, the benefit is calculated based on a portion of your rent.
Applications open November 1 and the heating season runs through April 30. You can apply any time during the season, but earlier is better — benefits help with bills from November onward.
Official resources
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