Application Period Now Open for Winter 2026-27 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
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Online applications for Massachusetts’ Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) opened Oct. 1, 2026, offering income-based heating assistance for the upcoming heating season, which runs Nov. 1, 2026, through April 30, 2027. This program is also commonly referred to as simply “fuel assistance.” Owners or renters at or below 60% of state median income (explained below) are eligible.
At publication, the state average for oil was reported at $6.18 per gallon. Assistance is available to lower income customers for this winter. (Image license: CC BY-SA 4.0 MassLandlords, Inc.)
HEAP participants receive assistance with paying winter heating bills. Through HEAP you can become eligible for discounts on telephone, electric, gas and oil bills, and can receive help with past-due utility bills. You can read more about this and other assistance programs on the Massachusetts Association for Community Action page.
Eligible participants must have a household income less than 60% of the state median income (SMI). According to the FY2027 eligibility chart, which also outlines benefit levels for various types of heating and utility assistance, that is $54,585 for an individual, and $103,049 for a household of four. Assistance payments for heating fuel are made directly to the heating fuel company.
HEAP is open to both homeowners and renters, including tenants who receive housing subsidies. You or your renters do not have to be in arrears with your utility bills or receive any other form of public assistance to qualify.
The HEAP application automatically includes other programs as well, including the state heating system repair and replacement program and the weatherization assistance program. You can apply for the program online, in person at your local agency or by mail.
New Program Aims To Help Middle-Income Residents With Oil Bills
The application period for an additional program to help middle-income residents who heat with oil and do not qualify for HEAP is expected to open in December 2026. The program offers a one-time benefit of up to $680 to offset the high costs of home heating oil. Qualified recipients must make between 60%-100% of the state median income. To learn more and get notified when applications open, fill out the interest form on the state website.
