Winter Heating Home Energy Assistance Program

Federal Shutdown Impact and Heat-Related Emergency Help

The federal government shutdown has ended and federal funding for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) has resumed.
The Cambridge HEAP Office is working diligently to review applications and to award benefits to eligible applicants as quickly as possible. However, as a result of the federal shutdown, applicants should continue to anticipate delays in receiving determinations and in receiving their benefit amounts (if eligible).
The Commonwealth’s Department of Public Utilities will continue to prohibit gas and electric companies from shutting off service to households that receive a low-income discount rate on their utility bills, effective through April 1, 2026.
Residents can check the status of their application or connect with a Cambridge HEAP staff person by calling 617-665-6234.

Updated 11/19/2025

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), formerly called the Fuel Assistance Program, helps income-eligible households pay their winter heating bills between November 1 and April 30. Renters and homeowners in Somerville and Cambridge are eligible to apply if they meet federal income guidelines.

Apply to HEAP!

Applications will be accepted October 1 through April 30. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis in the order they are received.

Want to learn more? Join the upcoming information session on December 11 at 5 p.m. - full details and registration information can be found here.

Learn More at the Fuel Assistance Program Website

Somerville residents experiencing homelessness can find overnight Emergency Warming Centers during the coldest months of the year. You can learn more about these locations on the city's Emergency Management page.

Contact Information

Home Energy Assistance Program

Home Energy Assistance Program

Monday
8:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Tuesday - Thursday
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Friday
8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Phone Number

(617) 349-6252

02139

Address

51 Inman Street
Basement Level
Cambridge, MA 02139
United States

Employee Directory

Apply online through the Massachusetts Home Energy Assistance Program Client Portal
Mail application documents to: Home Energy Assistance Program c/o Department of Human Service Programs, 51 Inman St. Cambridge, MA 02139
Email application documents to: dhspfuel@cambridgema.gov
Drop off application documents at: the Home Energy Assistance Program (51 Inman St., Basement Level,
Cambridge, MA 02139) or in the drop box located outside of the Basement Level entrance of 51 Inman St. on Inman Place.

To check the status of your application, call the Cambridge HEAP Office at 617-665-6234.

How to Start:

Clients who previously participated in HEAP (formerly the Fuel Assistance Program) were mailed applications and directions for how to re-apply. Returning applicants will use the PIN number on the application they received in the mail to start their application.
New applicants can create an online account. You will receive a verification code via email from DoNotReply@CommunitySoftwareGroup.com to activate your account and start your application. Be sure to check your junk mail folder in addition to your inbox.
Complete your application. Options for submitting your application are outlined above.

Requirements

Eligibility for the program is based on Federal Poverty guidelines and your recent 4 week gross income.
Applicants must fill out supporting documents, available under “Application Documents” below.
Phone and in-person application assistance is available upon request. Call 617-665-6234 to make an appointment with HEAP / Fuel Assistance staff.
Please note: Households that include non-citizens may be eligible for heating assistance benefits if the non-citizens are “Qualified Aliens” or if at least one member of the household is a United States citizen (which may include a child born in the US). Green cards (INS Form I-551) are one of the documents that establish “Qualified Alien” status for a member of the household.

Application Documents

HEAP Income and Benefit Chart [PDF]

HEAP No Mortgage Statement Form [PDF]

HEAP Financial Assistance Form [PDF]

HEAP Child Support Form [PDF]

HEAP Utility Bill in Other Name Form [PDF]

HEAP Low Income - No Income Form [PDF]

HEAP No Income - Zero Income Form [PDF]

HEAP Flyer (English) [PDF]

Who is Eligible?

To be eligible for the Home Energy Assistance Program, your household income cannot exceed 60% of Massachusetts’ estimated State Median Income (PDF) . The most recent income levels are as follows:

Family Size (# of people in the household)	Maximum Income Level
1	$51,177
2	$67.709
3	$83,641
4	$99,573
5	$115,504
6	$131,436

Benefit levels depend on household size, household income and the cost of energy consumed over the last 12 months. Not all income counts toward eligibility. Please confirm your actual eligibility with our office.

No-Heat / Utility Shutoff Assistance

If you are an eligible applicant who experiences a no-heat situation or who is facing immediate shut off between November 1 and April 30, call the Cambridge HEAP Office at 617-665-6234. Heating help can be provided within 24 hours.

More Information and Resources

If your household income exceeds the limits for the Fuel Assistance Program, you may be eligible for some heating assistance through the Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund, which is run by the Salvation Army. This fund serves residents who are in temporary crisis and unable to pay their energy bills but who are not eligible for federal or state funds. Visit magoodneighbor.org or call 1-800-334-3047 to learn more.

Massachusetts Cold Relief Heatline: 1-800-632-8175

Home Energy Assistance program (HEAP): https://www.mass.gov/info-details/learn-about-home-energy-assistance-heap

Other cold relief programs in Massachusetts: http://www.mass.gov/hed/community/energy/cold-relief-information.html

Informational Flyers and Brochures

Flyers by Language

Brochures by Language

Frequently Asked Questions

What other energy assistance programs are available?

Your Home Energy Assistance application can be a one-stop application for other local and state programs, services, and referrals. Our staff will connect you with other energy programs that you are eligible for, including the programs below. If you have questions about these programs, call us at 617-665-6234 or email dhspfuel@cambridgema.gov.

Discount Programs
You may be eligible for discounts on your gas and electric bills. The discounts range from 10-36% on distribution charges. Some utilities require that the name on the bill is the same as the Head of Household on your Home Energy Assistance Program application.

Weatherization Services
Through our Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), licensed contractors evaluate your home safety and health and provide eligible homes with improved insulation, air sealing, and other preventative measures at no cost.

Heating System Repair and Replacement (HEARTWAP) Program
The State's Heating Repair and replacement (HEATWAP) Program provides homeowners and some tenants with repairs and replacement of heaters. Though the program is primarily run as an emergency-based program, the program will also clean and tune or replace poor or inoperable heaters. In combination with the Home Energy Assistance Program, Appliance Management Program, and the Weatherization Assistance Program, you can have peace of mind when it comes to your home and wallet.

If a boiler or furnace replacement is needed, proof of homeownership is required. The homeowner must sign an agreement allowing the heating system to be evaluated and, where warranted, repairs or replacement to be conducted. Eligible households with a "No Heat" situation are given first priority. Households with elderly or disabled residents or with children six years of age or younger, are given additional priority.

Appliance Management Program (AMP)
Through energy audits, the Appliance Management Program can replace certain appliances that are inoperable or inefficient, like refrigerators, freezers, window air conditioners, washing machines, and dehumidifiers. Note: Certain criteria must be met for each appliance in order to provide a replacement.

You are eligible for this program is you receive Home Energy Assistance or have a utility discount rate with either National Grid or Eversource Electric. If you receive a utility discount rate, a copy of a current utility bill showing the discount rate may be necessary.

Moderate Income Verification Program
Available to residents who are not eligible for Home Energy Assistance because they are over the income requirements. The program offers a no-cost Home Energy Assessment from Mass Save and energy-saving products like LED light bulbs, wireless thermostats and advanced power strips. It also provides expert recommendations on additional ways to save energy and access rebates for services like Insulation and Air Sealing.

Cambridge Energy Alliance
Cambridge has lots of energy programs to help homeowners and renters access comfort, savings and help combat climate change. To learn more about home or small business no-cost energy assessments, multi-family energy efficiency or clean heating and cooling programs, rooftop solar or community solar, and Cambridge’s Community Electricity Program, visit cambridgeenergyalliance.org or call All in Energy at 617-430-6230.

Questions about your utility bill?: Contact the City’s Utility Bill Helpline with All In Energy at 617-430-6230 or cambridgehelp@allinenergy.org for assistance.