A Massachusetts household that earns too much for ordinary fuel assistance may still get help with an oil bill this winter. Gov. Maura Healey’s office announced on Oct. 5 a new benefit of up to $680 for about 50,000 middle-income households, and it sits on top of the state’s regular heating aid, which begins taking applications Nov. 1.
Who the $680 benefit is for
The state’s Middle-Income Heating Oil Relief page sets two tests. A household has to heat with #2 home heating oil, and its gross income has to be more than 60 percent but less than 100 percent of the state median income. The page calls the payment a one-time emergency benefit and says “up to $680,” so $680 is a ceiling and not a guaranteed amount.
The income limits are listed by household size for the state’s 2027 fiscal year. For one person, the range runs from $53,586 to $89,308. For two people it is $70,074 to $116,788, and for three it is $86,562 to $144,268. A family of four falls between $103,050 and $171,749. Households of five run from $119,537 to $199,227, and six people from $136,025 to $226,707…