Massachusetts households that qualify for the state’s Home Energy Assistance Program, known as HEAP or LIHEAP, can have part of their heating costs paid from Nov. 1 through April 30. Applications for the coming season opened Oct. 1, and a household of four can earn up to $103,049 and still be eligible. The state’s program page says the aid covers a portion of home energy costs, not the whole bill.
The Nov. 1 to April 30 span is the stretch of winter the benefit pays for. It is not the window for turning in an application, which opened earlier and which the state’s page does not tie to a closing date.
Income limits by household size
Household income cannot exceed 60% of the state’s estimated median income, according to the state. Not all income counts toward that figure. The fiscal 2027 limits on the state page 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
Those ceilings are well above what many people expect from a low-income program. A retired couple living on Social Security and a small pension could sit comfortably under $70,073, and a single retiree can qualify at $53,585. Homeowners and renters are both eligible, including renters whose heat is included in the rent…