Massachusetts Fuel Assistance (LIHEAP) 2026–2027: Income Limits & Application Guide
Heating a home in Massachusetts through cold winter months creates a significant financial strain for many families. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)—commonly known as Fuel Assistance or HEAP—helps income-eligible residents pay their home heating bills.
Whether you heat your home with oil, natural gas, electricity, propane, or wood, LIHEAP provides direct financial assistance to offset your energy expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions: MA Fuel Assistance Guidelines
1. What are the income limits for Fuel Assistance in Massachusetts for 2026?
Eligibility is based on household size and gross annual income. Massachusetts caps eligibility at 60% of the State Median Income (SMI):
*1 Person:** Maximum $53,585 per year
*2 People:** Maximum $70,073 per year
*3 People:** Maximum $86,561 per year
*4 People:** Maximum $103,049 per year
There is no asset test required to qualify for LIHEAP in Massachusetts.
2. Do renters qualify for Fuel Assistance if heat is included in the rent?
Yes. Renters can qualify for LIHEAP even if heating expenses are built directly into monthly rent payments. Eligible renters receive payments or rental adjustments based on state program guidelines.
3. When does Fuel Assistance open for the 2026–2027 heating season?
Applications open on October 1, 2026. The official heating season coverage runs from November 1, 2026 through April 30, 2027. Early application is recommended because funding is distributed through local community action agencies on a rolling basis.
4. What heating fuels are covered under LIHEAP?
LIHEAP assists with all primary heating fuel types, including:
* Oil and propane delivery
* Natural gas and electric utility bills
* Wood, coal, and wood pellets
5. What additional programs can you access through Fuel Assistance?
When you qualify for LIHEAP in Massachusetts, you are automatically screened for related energy savings programs, including:
* Free home energy audits and Weatherization Assistance (WAP)
* Heating system repair or replacement services (HEARTWAP)
* Utility discount rates on electric and gas monthly bills
*** Ready to Check Your Eligibility?
Use our quick benefits screener to check whether your household meets the guidelines for Fuel Assistance, SNAP, MassHealth, and RAFT.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Both renters and homeowners residing in Massachusetts qualify if their household income is at or below 50% Area Median Income (AMI) and they are experiencing active household crisis, such as overdue rent, utility shut off notices, or mortgage arrears.
-
Eligible Massachusetts household can receive up to $7000 in assistance over a 12 month period to pay for back rent, mortgage arrears, past due utility bills, or moving cost like first and Last month rent and security deposits.
-
Yes! In fact RAFT Is not just for renters. Massachusetts homeowners who meet income guidelines and face mortgage to default or utility shut offs are fully eligible to apply.
-
While there is no lifetime limit, the benefit is capped at $7000 per rolling 12 month period.
-
RAFT Payments for overdue, rent or security deposits are paid directly to your landlord or property owner, not to the tenant. Your landlord must participate by creating an account in the RAFT Portal and providing necessary documentation to receive the payment.
-
Yes. United States citizenship or legal immigration status is not required to qualify for state funded RAFT Assistance in Massachusetts