Home Energy Assistance Program
Here to help with your heating costs.
The Massachusetts Home Energy Assistance Program
Did you know that as many as 1 in 3 families living in Cape Ann may be eligible for help with their utilities?
The Massachusetts Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP, Fuel Assistance) is a free resource offered by Action Inc. and the state of MA to help eligible households pay a portion of their winter heating bills. You’ve reached the right place to apply and get the process started!
No matter what type of heating source you have (gas, oil, electric, propane, wood, kerosene, etc.), we may be able to help you pay your winter heating bills.
EMERGENCIES: If your household is experiencing a heating emergency due to a lack of fuel or utilities between November 1 – April 30, please contact our office at 978-281-3900. Emergency situations will be responded to within 18 – 24 hours.
Applying for Home Energy Assistance
Please do not apply online and mail in the application that we sent you. Only one submission method is accepted per household. Doing both will lead to significant delays in processing your application.
First Time Applicants
First time applicants are required to have a personal interview. Beginning October 1st, Action Inc. schedules appointments for first time applicants who pay for their heat. Call 978-281-3900 to schedule a phone or in-person appointment. You can also apply here.
How to prepare for your appointment:
View list of required income documents here.
Renewal Applications
By October 1st, applications are mailed to households that applied last season. Please follow the instructions that accompany the application and return your signed application and required documents as soon as possible to avoid delays in payments to your heating vendor. If you have not received your application by October 1st, please call the office at 978-281-3900 and one will be mailed to you.
You can also recertify online by visiting here. Your application number and PIN are required and can be found at the top of your mailed application.
How to complete your fuel assistance application:
How to Qualify
Eligibility for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is based on several factors, including your household size and combined gross annual income. If your total household income falls within the state’s guidelines (see chart), we may be able to help pay your heating bills during the winter months.
To qualify for LIHEAP through Action Inc., you must live in one of the following cities or towns: Gloucester, Essex, Ipswich, Hamilton, Manchester, Rockport, or Wenham.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Helpful Links to Document Income
Application Forms
Follow the link below for additional LIHEAP forms in English, Portuguese, & Spanish
Utility Discounts & Assistance
Are household bills taking over your life? National Grid gas and electric customers can now contact National Grid directly to enroll in the Arrears Management Program (AMP). For customers who are eligible, AMP provides 100% forgiveness of a past due bill. You must have an active residential account, be income-eligible, and the name of the customer applying must match the name on the National Grid account.
For more information, call National Grid at 1-866-580-7617, or to speak to a Customer Advocate in person at our office, please call 978-281-3900.
National Grid Discount Rate Application for MA Customers
Click here for an online application.
Heating & Oil
Discount on oil usage up to allotted benefit amount. Please call the Home Energy Assistance direct line at 978-281-3900 to learn more.
*All discounts are approximate
Protection from Utility Termination
If you are experiencing financial hardship, you may be protected against having your utilities shut off during the winter per an order of the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities. Action Inc. can help you work with utility providers if you receive a termination notice to keep or restore power to your home. Please call us at 978-281-3900 for assistance.
Utility Payment Plans
Our support staff is here to guide eligible residents through the process of establishing payment plans with their utility companies. State law requires that utility companies offer payment plans of no less than four months or four equal payments. If you are at risk of having your utilities shut off, or if they have already been terminated, your utility company is obligated to work with you to establish a reasonable payment plan. If your household meets certain income guidelines and your account has not yet been terminated, the utility company must accept 25 percent of the overdue amount as the first payment. If your account has already been terminated, you still have the right to work with the utility company to create a reasonable payment plan. If your utility company refuses to set up a payment plan, call the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities Consumer Division at 617-392-6066 to ask for assistance.
Energy Efficiency Services & Heating Systems
If you are a homeowner or renter who receives Home Energy Assistance (Fuel Assistance) or the discount rate through National Grid, you could be eligible for no-cost energy improvements that will make your home more comfortable and more affordable. Services may include:
- weatherizing your home by adding insulation, air sealing, and weather stripping
- repairing or replacing your heating system if it’s outdated or not working properly
- replacing lighting fixtures, window air conditioners, and appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines
Please visit our Energy Services website for more information or call 978-283-2131 to speak with someone on our energy efficiency team.
EMERGENCIES: If your household is experiencing a heating system emergency, please contact our office at 978-283-2131 to speak with a staff member, or to leave a message if staff is unavailable.