Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) supports Massachusetts renters and homeowners by covering part of winter heating costs across a range of fuel sources to help households pay their heating bills.
Funder: Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Due Dates: April 30, 2027 (Heating-season application deadline) | October 1, 2027 (Next annual portal opening)
Funding Amounts: Predetermined household benefit toward winter heating costs; benefit levels depend on annual federal funding and housing subsidies
Summary: HEAP helps eligible Massachusetts renters and homeowners pay a portion of household winter heating bills, rather than funding research.
Key Information: Household income cannot exceed 60% of Massachusetts’ estimated State Median Income.
Description
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), commonly called Fuel Assistance, helps Massachusetts households pay part of their winter heating costs. This is household assistance, not funding for research or project work. Homeowners and renters can apply, including households whose heat is included in rent. Assistance covers the heating season from November 1 through April 30 and supports a range of primary heating sources.
HEAP is delivered through local service providers. The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities provides program guidance, and the Department of Transitional Assistance also publishes information about the assistance. Annual funding allocated to Massachusetts by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services supports household benefits. Applying for HEAP also serves as an application for heating-system repair and replacement and weatherization assistance.
