Fuel Assistance Options

Contents

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

LIHEAP assists individuals and families with the cost of heating.
Eligibility is based on gross annual income of every household member. Household income cannot exceed 60% of estimated state median income.
Households can apply from November 1^st to April 30^th of the program year.
Applicants must call (978) 342-4520 to make an appointment with the New England Farm Workers’ Council, Inc. and apply in person for the first year.
For more information: partnersforcommunity.org/
After the first year the application will be mailed.
- New England Farm Workers’ Council, Inc.
- 473 Main St., 3rd floor Fitchburg, MA 01420

The Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund is available to any Massachusetts resident who, because of temporary financial difficulty, cannot meet a month’s energy expense and is not eligible for state or federal energy assistance.
Income must fall between 60 and 80 percent of the state’s median income levels.
You may apply for assistance by directly contacting your local Salvation Army Corps Community Center or Service Extension Unit. For North Central MA it would be:
- Fitchburg/Montachusett Corps ph. (978) 342-3300 fax: (978) 345-4155
- 739 Water Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420-6749

MOC sometimes has limited funding available to families who need supplemental fuel and/or rent assistance after they have exhausted all of their federally funded Fuel Assistance Benefits.
To qualify, you must have applied for, received, and exhausted all Fuel Assistance Benefits. You must also be low-income, and your rent payment must be 50% or less of your monthly income. Eligibility varies by funding source.
If you need assistance, please contact MOC at 978-345-7040

Hearts for Heat provides fuel assistance for after someone has already applied for LIHEAP.
The application process includes asset assessment, income, and major monthly expenses.
This application also allows for explanation and assistance is given on a case-by-case basis.
Application can be found at heatsforheat.org and mailed into Hearts for Heat, PO Box 434, Princeton, MA 01541.

Mass Save offers energy efficiency services based on household income at low or no cost.
They will do an initial no cost energy assessment to assess whether new energy efficient appliances and weather proofing is available.
Mass Save also offers rebates on residential appliances, heating systems and more.
The Mass Save® HEAT Loan offers interest-free financing opportunities up to $25,000 for energy-efficient home upgrades like heating and water heating equipment, central A/C and heat pumps, insulation and more.

In previous years, Gardner CAC has had funding donated and earmarked for fuel assistance. This fuel assistance is available for people who have already exhausted other funding options.
The CAC will provide one time assistance in urgent situations. Please call to check if they have funding available at 978-632-8700

Updated on October 20, 2021