Help Available for Winter Heating Bills Until March 31
- Author: Courtney Erdman
- Posted: 2026-03-05
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is currently accepting applications for its winter crisis program through March 31.
This program is designed to help families avoid having their heat or electricity shut off during the coldest months of the year.
Who is Eligible?
To qualify for this assistance, your household income must be at or below 175% of the federal poverty level. Here are the current income limits:
- Single person: $27,387.50 or less
- Family of four: $56,262.50 or less
- Large families (9+ people): Must show an income below 60% of the state’s median income.
Aside from income limits, you must also show that you are facing a financial hardship. This includes:
- Receiving a disconnection notice for your utilities.
- Having less than a 25% supply of bulk fuel (like propane or fuel oil).
- Needing to start, transfer, or fix a heat or energy connection.
- Having a broken heating unit that needs repair or replacement.
What Benefits Can You Receive?
- Natural Gas or Electric: Up to $175 for regulated utilities, or up to $750 for unregulated ones.
- Propane, Fuel Oil, or Kerosene: Up to $1,200.
- Coal or Wood: Up to $600.
- Heating Unit Repairs: Up to $1,500 to repair or replace a broken furnace.
What Documents Do You Need?
When you apply, you will need to provide the following:
- Proof of income for everyone in the home aged 18 or older.
- Social Security numbers for every member of the household.
- Your most recent gas and electric bills.
- Proof of citizenship for everyone in the home.
- For furnace repairs: An estimate or invoice from a qualified technician.
If you miss the winter deadline, a separate program for summer cooling assistance will open on July 1.
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