The clocks go back on Nov. 1, and the first cold nights are already here. For many Muslim families in Massachusetts, from new arrivals renting their first apartment in Lowell or Worcester to large households in Roxbury, Quincy or Springfield, the winter heating bill can be one of the hardest costs of the year.

There is help, and it is open now. The state's Home Energy Assistance Program, known as HEAP or simply "fuel assistance," began taking applications on Oct. 1, 2026 for the heating season that runs Nov. 1, 2026 through April 30, 2027. It is free to apply. Here is what you need to know, in plain words.

What fuel assistance does

HEAP helps eligible households pay a portion of their winter heating bills. According to Mass.gov, it covers your primary heat source, whatever it is: heating oil, electricity, natural gas, propane, kerosene, wood or coal. The payment is a fixed benefit amount, and it usually goes straight to your heating company or fuel dealer, not to you.

Benefit amounts change each year, depending on how much federal money Massachusetts receives, so no one can promise you a specific number in advance.

The Massachusetts Community Action Program Directors Association (MASSCAP) says households in the program may also get help with past-due bills and discounts on electric, gas, oil and phone service. National Grid notes that HEAP households may qualify for its discounted rate.

Who can qualify

Eligibility is based on household size and the combined gross annual income (before taxes) of the people in your home. The limit is 60% of the estimated state median income. For 2026–2027, National Grid and MASSCAP list these maximums:

  • 1 person: $53,585
  • 2 people: $70,073
  • 3 people: $86,561
  • 4 people: $103,049
  • 5 people: $119,536
  • 6 people: $136,024

Larger households have higher limits. Both homeowners and renters can apply, including renters whose heat is included in their rent, as long as that rent is not subsidized.

Many working families are surprised to learn they qualify. If you are close to the line, the state and MASSCAP both say: apply or call your local agency and ask.

How to apply

You have three ways:

  • Online, through the state's HEAP portal, linked from mass.gov/heatinghelp. Mass.gov says this is the only official online portal for Massachusetts HEAP.
  • In person or by phone, with the local agency for your city or town. These are mostly community action agencies, and the portal can help you find yours.
  • By mail, following the instructions on the state's site.

First-time applicants must do an intake appointment. Returning households are mailed an application and can renew online, in person or by mail, but everyone must apply again every year.

If you have questions, the Massachusetts Heat Line is toll-free at 1-800-632-8175.

One warning: HEAP is 100% free, with no application fee. Mass.gov says that if anyone asks you to pay to apply, you should report it to the state.

What to gather before you start

Your local agency will tell you exactly what it needs, but it helps to have these ready: income information for the adults in your home, your latest heating bill or fuel dealer's name, and your rent or housing information. If English is not your first language, call your local agency and ask about language help. Bringing a trusted family member or friend to the appointment can also make it easier.

If you're behind on your gas or electric bill

Massachusetts law gives families some protection in the cold months. Under state law (G.L. c. 164, § 124F), gas and electric companies may not shut off service between Nov. 15 and March 15 to a residential customer who cannot pay because of financial hardship, when that service is used for heat.

Mass.gov says other households are protected year-round if they show financial hardship: homes where someone is seriously ill, homes with a baby under 12 months, and homes where all adults are 65 or older and a minor child lives there. If all residents of a home are 65 or older, the utility needs permission from the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) before shutting off service.

Last winter, the DPU started the shut-off moratorium early, on Oct. 27, 2025, and kept it going to April 1, 2026. We could not find any announcement yet about this winter's dates, so plan on the dates in the law unless the state says otherwise.

If your service is shut off and you believe you are protected, call your utility first. If that doesn't fix it, the DPU's consumer line is (617) 737-2836 or 1-877-886-5066 toll-free. Ask your utility about budget billing and payment plans too, before the bills pile up.

Look out for each other

Many of our elders, students and new neighbors don't know this help exists. If you know someone in your masjid, building or family who struggled last winter, share this guide, or offer to sit with them while they apply. It takes one phone call to start.

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