Learn About Financial Assistance for Home Heating Costs This Winter

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the City of Somerville’s Health and Human Services (HHS) Department invite community members to an information session to learn more about the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), which can provide financial assistance with home heating costs this winter to eligible households.  

• When: Thursday, December 11, from 5 to 7 p.m.
• Where: City Hall Annex Building (50 Evergreen Ave.) 

Formerly the Fuel Assistance Program, HEAP helps low-income residents in Cambridge and Somerville pay their winter heating bills between November 1 and April 30. Renters and homeowners in both cities are eligible if they meet federal income guidelines. Eligible persons may also submit an application for the heating assistance program while at the event.  

Attendees are asked to bring the following documents if they are interested in starting an application: 

• Photo identification
• A list of all household members
• Proof of income (such as your 2024 tax forms, a paycheck stub, or other income documents)
• Information on your heating bills
• An active lease or mortgage statement 

Eligibility Requirements 

This program is for residents with household incomes, before taxes, of less than 60 percent of the state median income.  

The most recent income levels are as follows: 

How to Apply 

• Online: toapply.org/CCDHS
• Mail/Drop-off application documents to: Home Energy Assistance Program c/o Dept of Human Service Programs, 51 Inman St. Cambridge, MA 02139 

For all HEAP information, visit somervillema.gov/heatingassistance or call (617) 665-6234 for application assistance. 

Federal Shutdown Program Impacts 

HEAP is a federally funded program. While the federal government shutdown has ended and federal funding for the program has resumed, applicants should anticipate delays in receiving determinations and their benefit amounts (if eligible). The Cambridge HEAP Office is working diligently to review applications and to award benefits to eligible applicants as quickly as possible.   

If you are experiencing a heat-related emergency, please call the Cambridge HEAP office at 617-665-6234 to receive assistance within 24 hours. 

Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Adrienne Pomeroy in advance at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or apomeroy@somervillema.gov 

The City of Somerville can provide you with an interpreter in your language for free. To request an interpreter, please contact us at somerviva@somervillema.gov or call 311 (617-666-3311) at least 7 days in advance of this event.