Massachusetts benefits guide

Heating (fuel) assistance: help with winter heating bills

For the 2026–2027 heating season. Checked against the state's Home Energy Assistance Program pages on September 25, 2026.

The short version

Helps pay heating bills from November 1 to April 30: oil, gas, electric, propane, kerosene, wood and more.
Applications open October 1, and the deadline is April 30, 2027.
Income up to $53,585 for one person or $70,073 for two.
Homeowners and renters can apply, including renters whose heat is included in the rent. It's free, and you apply every year.

Income limits for 2026–2027

Household income can't be more than 60% of the state median income:

1 person: $53,585 · 2 people: $70,073 · 3 people: $86,561 · 4 people: $103,049 · 5 people: $119,536 · 6 people: $136,024

Not all income counts, so if you're close, ask your local agency.

How much it's worth

The state's plan for this winter estimates a benefit of $200 to $600. The real amount depends on federal funding, your income, your fuel and your housing.
The money goes straight to your heating company; you don't get a check.
Heating-oil customers who use a participating dealer also get a capped price per gallon.

Renters

Renters whose heat is included in the rent can qualify for a full benefit, unless they live in subsidized or tax-credit housing.
In subsidized housing with heat included, you can get a partial benefit only if your rent is more than 30% of your income.

What else comes with it

A discount on electric and gas bills. It's applied automatically with Eversource, National Grid, Unitil, Liberty and Berkshire Gas. If your town runs its own electric company, ask them.
Heating system repair or replacement (HEARTWAP), mainly for homeowners. It uses the same application.
Free weatherization, such as insulation and air sealing, with priority for older residents. It also uses the same application.
A little over the income limit (60% to 80% of state median income)? The Good Neighbor Energy Fund may help.

Protection from shut-offs

If everyone in the home is 65 or older, the electric or gas company can't shut off service without permission from the state Department of Public Utilities.
From November 15 to March 15, utilities can't shut off service that's needed to heat your home.

How to apply

Online: toapply.org/MassHEAP. The state calls this the only official online portal.
In person or by phone with the local agency for your town. To find it, call the Cold Relief Heatline at (800) 632-8175, or dial 2-1-1.
First-time applicants have an intake appointment. After the first year, the renewal comes by mail.

Have ready: photo ID, a list of everyone in the household, your heating company and account number, your lease or mortgage statement, and proof of income for the last 30 days (for example, a Social Security or pension statement).

Beware of scams. The program is 100% free. Nobody legitimate charges an "application fee."

Sources

Mass.gov, Learn about Home Energy Assistance (HEAP) (FY2027 income table).
Mass.gov, Apply for Home Energy Assistance.
Mass.gov, FY2027 HEAP State Plan (draft) (dates, benefit estimates, renter rules).
Mass.gov, HEARTWAP and Weatherization Assistance Program.
Department of Public Utilities, Frequently asked questions about electric and gas utilities.

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Benefighter is not a government agency. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Limits change every year.