If you live in Massachusetts and dread opening your heating bill every winter, mark your calendar. The state’s Fuel Assistance program, officially called the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), opens its online application on October 1, 2026.
HEAP helps eligible Massachusetts households pay a portion of their winter heating costs. Homeowners and renters can qualify, including some renters whose heat is included in their rent.
Here’s what you need to know about the 2026–2027 season and how to get ready.
What Is Opening on October 1
The Massachusetts HEAP online application opens October 1, 2026. The 2026–2027 program runs from November 1, 2026, through April 30, 2027.
MASSCAP says Fuel Assistance helps eligible households with heating bills during the winter and spring season or until benefits are exhausted.
Households must apply for HEAP each year, so receiving assistance in a previous season doesn’t automatically enroll you for 2026–2027.
Who Can Apply for Massachusetts Fuel Assistance
You don’t have to own your home to qualify.
Massachusetts says homeowners and renters can apply, including households whose heating costs are included in their rent.
Eligibility depends on several factors, including household size and combined gross household income. Housing subsidies can also affect the amount of assistance a household receives.
For FY2027, household income generally cannot exceed 60% of Massachusetts’ estimated State Median Income.
The current maximum income guidelines are:
- 1 person: $53,585
- 2 people: $70,073
- 3 people: $86,561
- 4 people: $103,049
- 5 people: $119,536
- 6 people: $136,024
- 7 people: $139,116
- 8 people: $142,207
- 9 people: $145,299
- 10 people: $148,390
Not all income necessarily counts toward eligibility, so Massachusetts recommends confirming your household’s eligibility with your local HEAP agency.
What You Actually Get
HEAP helps pay a portion of the cost of your primary heating source.
Eligible heating sources can include:
- Heating oil
- Electricity
- Natural gas
- Propane
- Kerosene
- Wood
- Coal
Payments for actual heating usage or fuel delivery are generally made directly to the heating vendor. In some circumstances, reimbursement for eligible heating costs may be possible, so check with your local agency if that applies to you.
The amount of assistance isn’t the same for every household. Benefit levels can depend on factors such as household income, household size, energy costs, housing subsidies, and the amount of federal funding Massachusetts receives.
You May Qualify for Other Energy Help Too
HEAP can connect eligible households with more than heating-bill assistance.
If you’re eligible, discounts may also be available on electric and natural gas service provided by investor-owned utilities.
Massachusetts also connects the HEAP application with two important programs:
Weatherization Assistance Program
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) provides energy-efficiency improvements that can help lower household energy costs.
Heating System Repair and Replacement
The Heating System Repair and Replacement Program (HEARTWAP) provides emergency heating-system repair and replacement services for eligible low-income households.
Your HEAP application also serves as an application for these programs, although each program has its own eligibility and service requirements.
If you’re struggling with a past-due utility balance, ask your utility about its Arrearage Management Program or other payment assistance. That’s separate from the standard HEAP heating benefit, but it may provide additional help.
How to Apply Starting October 1
Massachusetts allows residents to apply online through the state’s HEAP application portal.
You can also work directly with the local HEAP agency serving your city or town. Depending on the application method, assistance is available online, in person, by phone, or by mail.
First-time applicants must complete an intake appointment.
Before applying, be prepared to provide information such as:
- Photo identification for the head of household or primary applicant
- A list of household members
- Heating company and account information
- Housing information, such as an active lease or mortgage statement
- Proof of income for the 30 days before the application date
Your local agency may request additional information depending on your household’s circumstances.
If you need help finding your local agency, call the Cold Relief Heatline at 1-800-632-8175.
You can also call 2-1-1 for general questions about Massachusetts home-energy programs.
Returning Applicants Need to Apply Again
HEAP doesn’t automatically carry over from one year to the next.
Households must apply every year.
Massachusetts says applications are mailed to households after their first year in the program, and returning households can renew online, in person, or by mail.
What If You Don’t Qualify?
If your income is too high for HEAP, don’t automatically assume there’s no other help available.
The Good Neighbor Energy Fund provides energy assistance to some Massachusetts households that don’t qualify for state or federal energy assistance programs.
It’s especially worth checking if your household falls just above HEAP’s income limit.
You can also ask your utility company about discount rates, payment plans, and arrearage programs that may have different eligibility requirements.
Relief Recap
Massachusetts HEAP opens its online application on October 1, 2026, for the 2026–2027 heating season.
The program can help eligible homeowners and renters pay a portion of their winter heating costs, and the same application can also connect households with weatherization and heating-system assistance.
Getting your documents together before applications open can make the process easier.
If you’re new to LIHEAP or want to understand how energy assistance works across the country, read our full guide: How to Get LIHEAP Help for Your Utilities.
