State announces energy assistance programs available 2016-2017

Fuel assistance, heating system repairs, and weatherization
Posted on: October 25, 2016 - 12:56pm

The Massachusetts Department of House and Community Development (DHCD) has announced the 39th year of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the 24th year of the HEARTWAP (heating systems repair and replacement program), and the 40th year of the Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program (DOE WAP).

Basic information on these three low-income energy programs is provided below. Weymouth households should contact the Quincy Community Actions Programs (QCAP), the town’s designated local administrating agency, directly with questions regarding the programs and to learn more about the other services they offer: 617-479-8181, Ext. 301 or www.qcap.org.

  • LIHEAP (fuel assistance): Operating between November 1 and April 30, LIHEAP helps eligible households pay a portion of their winter heating bills. It pays fixed amount benefits based on a number of eligibility factors, including but not limited to annualized gross income for all household members and the number of people in the household. Both homeowners and renters with incomes of up to 60 percent of the Estimate State Median Income are income eligible.
  • HEARTWAP (heating system repairs): HEARTWAP helps LIHEAP-eligible households with heating system repairs and replacement services at no cost to the household. It operates year round and both homeowners and tenants are eligible. HEARTWARP services vary depending on the specific needs of the home. During the winter heating months, the program functions primarily as an emergency intervention service to assist clients having problems with the operation of their primary heating system. Replacements are done for inoperable, irreparable, or unsafe heating systems.
  • DOE WAP (weatherization): WAP helps LIHEAP-eligible households reduce their heating bills by installing home energy efficiency measures. The program operates year round and both homeowners and tenants are eligible (tenants with landlord approval). Also, households with a member receiving TANF or SSI are categorically eligible. The work is done at no cost to the client. Due to limited funding, there is a waiting list for service and the order of service is determined by the priority point score of the LIHEAP application. Services vary depending on the specific needs of the home and the DOE’s priority list of allowed conservation measures.

For limited income household who are over income for LIHEAP, please contact the Good Neighbor Energy Fund which is operate by the Salvation Army: 800-334-3047 or www.magoodneighbor.org.