The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has released $3.7 billion to states for the Low Income Heating Assistance Program (LIHEAP), of which Massachusetts will receive more than $146 million. ABCD is accepting and processing Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) applications for residents in Greater Boston and the Mystic Valley, and award letters are forthcoming. The maximum benefit for deliverable fuels (oil, propane) is $1,000 and the max for utilities is $850.
“For decades, LIHEAP has had bipartisan support and ABCD is so grateful and pleased that this funding is once again available for residents who are struggling, including seniors, those with disabilities and working families,” said ABCD President and CEO Sharon Scott Chandler.
She continued, “ABCD was open throughout the shutdown, accepting HEAP applications, and helping families and communities with essentials and critical services. We are now able to issue award letters and begin to distribute home heating assistance benefits. We encourage residents to visit our website to check their eligibility and submit their applications.”
Applying for HEAP
Residents can visit bostonabcd.org/heat for more information about HEAP, apply online or find a local ABCD intake site for in-person applications. Previous fuel assistance recipients received recertification forms in the mail to complete and return. Clients in Boston, Brookline and Newton can check the status of their application by calling our automated phone system at 617-348-6411 or 781-322-6284 ext 334 for clients in the Mystic Valley. All Massachusetts residents can apply online at mass.gov/heap.
Benefit Amounts: The maximum benefit for deliverable fuels (oil, propane) is $1,000 and the max for utilities is $850.
The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) has approved an early start to the winter moratorium which began October 27, 2025 and is extended to April 1, 2026. The moratorium protects current Low Income Discount Rate customers from heat termination, and states that electricity or gas cannot be shut off without permission from DPU:
- If all residents of your home are age 65 and over
- If you are experiencing financial hardship and one of the following applies:
- You, or someone in your home, is seriously ill
- You have an infant under 12 months in your home
- All adults in the home are age 65 or older and a minor child resides in the home
- It is between October 27,2025 – April 1, 2026 and the utility service is needed to heat your home.
This means that customers who have submitted verification of financial hardship to the utility company, or currently receive the Low Income Discount Rate will have their electric or gas heat protected from termination. Each utility company has its own financial hardship form which is listed below.