The heating season is approaching. Massachusetts has a program to assist residents pay for their cost of heat called the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Homeowners and renters, including households whose cost of heat is included in the rent, can apply for this program in person at the agency in their area. For Tolland this agency is: Valley Opportunity Council (VOC); 300 High St.; Holyoke , MA 01040; (413) 552-1548. Call them for an appointment.
Eligibility is based on household size and the gross annual income of every household member, 18 years of age or older.
Household income cannot exceed 60% of estimated State Median Income
This program provides assistance through a fixed benefit amount for the cost of the primary source of heat with includes, but is not limited to:
Oil
Electricity
Natural gas
Propane
Kerosene
Wood
Coal
If eligible, discounts are automatically given on:
electric bills for investor-owned electric utilities
gas bills for investor-owned gas utilities
telephone bills
Payments for actual usage or fuel delivery are made directly to the heating vendor for primary energy needs from November 1st to April 30th except when the cost of heating is included in the rent.
Eligibility/Selection Criteria
If you receive help from a public-benefit program, such as:
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC)
Emergency Aid to Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC)
Food Stamps (SNAP)
Refugee Resettlement Benefits
MassHealth Basic or Standard
Head Start, Free and Reduced School Lunch or Breakfast Program,
MassVeterans Benefits
Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for Surviving Spouse or Parents of Veterans
Improved Veterans Disability Pension
Commonwealth Care Plan, Types 1, 2 or 2A
Health Safety Net Plan – Primary or Secondary
Women, Infants & Children (WIC)
You are probably eligible to participate in this program.
