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LIHEAP is here to help with your heat costs.
The Massachusetts’ home energy assistance program (LIHEAP) is a free resource, offered by Community Action Pioneer Valley in partnership with the Department of Housing and Community Development, to help eligible households pay a portion of winter heating bills. You’ve reached the right place to apply and get the process started if you live in Franklin or Hampshire County!
No matter what type of heating source you have, LIHEAP may be able to help you pay your winter heating bills. Available to homeowners and renters, all Massachusetts residents are encouraged to explore eligibility for this free program and apply for assistance.
How to apply
You can begin the application process here or set up an appointment to visit us in person in Greenfield, Northampton, Orange, or Ware.
APPLY HERE (APLICA AQUI)
New applicants can use this link to apply for the first time.
Returning applicants can submit recertifications here.
If you need help completing the application, we are happy to provide free assistance. Please call 413-774-2310 or 800-370-0940 to set up an appointment. If this is your first time applying or if you did not have an active application during the past 2 years, an intake interview is required. This can be conducted over the phone, in person, or on request via Zoom. To ensure the best customer service, we highly recommend making an appointment prior to coming into the office.
As part of the application process, please be prepared to share necessary information, including but not limited to photo identification, a list of all household members, proof of income, information on your heating bills, and your housing situation. If you are preparing for an upcoming appointment, please note that you will be asked to gather the following documents:
What to gather for your appointment (English)
Lo que se requiere para su cita (español)
Common questions during the fuel season
I applied for Fuel Assistance several months ago and haven't heard back. I called to ask about my application, and no one called me back.
Unfortunately, this is normal right now. We are very short staffed, have gotten a record number of applications, and the queue is very long. Due to high call volumes, we cannot return calls about the status of your application.
Good news: you can call our automated application status line and learn the status of your application. If the line says a decision "hasn't been made yet," it means we haven't been able to review your application yet, but you ARE in line, and your application has not been lost or discarded. For the automated application status update line, please call 413 774 2310, selection Option 1 and then Option 4.
Help! I have less than three days (or 1/8 tank) of fuel left, and I still don't have Fuel Assistance.
Your situation qualifies as an EMERGENCY.
Please email energy@communityaction.us with the word EMERGENCY in the subject line. Please include your full name and your application number if you have it. Emergencies get bumped up the queue so we can work quickly to keep you warm.
Help! My heating system is broken.
Your situation qualifies as an EMERGENCY.
Please email energy@communityaction.us with the word EMERGENCY in the subject line. Please include your full name and your application number if you have it. Emergencies get bumped up the queue so we can work quickly to keep you warm.
Help! I'm concerned that my utility is going to be shut off.
You may qualify for shut off protection through your utility company.
Please call them directly or visit their website to apply for financial or medical hardship. Here is more information about avoiding shut-off prior to the approval of your fuel assistance application.
Eligible applicant information
Eligibility for home energy assistance is based on several factors, including but not limited to household size and combined gross annual income of household members. Household income cannot exceed 60% of Massachusetts’ estimated State Median Income (for example in 2023, $55,461 for a family of 2 and $81,561 for a family of 4). To learn if you are eligible, apply here.
HEAT SEASON 2022/2023 ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
LIHEAP facts and resources
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The LIHEAP application is FREE! No fee is required to apply and we offer free help to complete applications. Beware of scams charging an “application fee” to help submit an application.
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Even if heat is included in the cost of rent, you may still be eligible for home energy assistance.
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LIHEAP provides assistance for all sources of heat, including oil, electricity, natural gas, propane, kerosene, wood and coal.
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Upon approval, payments are made directly to your heating company.
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You can also check income eligibility and benefit levels. Please note that benefit levels are dependent on funding allocated to Massachusetts by the US Department of Health and Human Services. Housing subsidies will also determine specific benefit levels.
Use the links below for more information about how to qualify for the Home Energy Assistance Program and eligible vendors.
Facts about Fuel Assistance (English)
Datos sobre el Programa (español)
(To be updated November 1, 2022).
You can reach Community Action Fuel Assistance by calling:
413-774-2310 or
800-370-0940
Documents may be submitted using the "Apply Here" link above.
Or by fax to: 413-772-2733
You may drop them in the
CAPV mailbox outside 393 Main St in Greenfield
or you can send them in the mail to
PO Box 1432 Greenfield, MA 01302
If you are a returning applicant, which means you applied in the last two years, an application will be mailed to you. You do have the option of submitting your recertification online. If you have not received a recertification packet by November 1st, and would like to reapply using a paper application, please contact the office.
For an application checklist, please use the following links:
Application Checklist (English)
Click here to download or print application forms
Not all forms are available online. Please request specific forms by calling the office to request a specific form be sent to you or schedule an appointment for assistance.
Face to Face Assistance
If you would like to schedule an appointment at 377 Main Street in Greenfield, please use the link below. Appointments are available for us to help you make copies, answer questions about your application, or drop off paperwork.
Schedule an appointment for help
To safeguard your personal information,
please do not use email to send confidential details (like a Social Security Number or banking information) to Community Action.
Thank you.
