Get Help with Winter Heating Bills - Fuel Assistance Application Deadline Extended to May 10!

Do you need help paying your winter heating bills? If you are a renter or homeowner who lives in Cambridge or Somerville, you may be eligible to apply to the Cambridge Fuel Assistance Program, which covers a portion of heating bill costs between November 1 and April 30 for applicants who meet federal income guidelines.The deadline to apply to the program has been extended to May 10! 

Applications are accepted and processed on a rolling basis. Apply by May 10 in one of the following ways:

• Online (click here to apply online)
• By mail to Fuel Assistance, c/o  Department of Human Service Programs, 51 Inman St., Cambridge, MA 02139
• By email to dhspfuel@cambridgema.gov
• Drop off in-person at the Fuel Assistance office (Basement Level of 51 Inman St., Cambridge, MA 02139) or in the Fuel Assistance dropbox located near the Basement Level entrance of 51 Inman St. on Inman Place.

If you are a new client, you will have a phone call with Fuel Assistance staff to review documents and confirm eligibility after submitting your application. In-person assistance is also available.

To check the status of your application, speak with Fuel Assistance staff, or report a no-heat situation, call 617-665-6234. Eligible applicants in no-heat situations or who are facing immediate shutoff can receive heating assistance within 24 hours. For more information about the program, including multilingual resources, visit www.cambridgema.gov/FuelAssistance. 

The Fuel Assistance Program is a state-wide program, also known as the Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). 

Tips for saving energy (and money)

Whether or not you qualify for Fuel Assistance, everyone can be more energy efficient and reduce their heating bills this winter! Here are a few simple steps you can take:

• Adjust Water Heater Temperature. Turn down your hot water heater to 120 degrees.
• Remember your Curtains. Close curtains and shades at night and open them during the day.
• Seal Air Leaks. Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows to prevent heat loss.
• Get a Programmable Thermostat. Turning your thermostat back 7-10 degrees for 8 hours when asleep or away can save you up to 10% on bills annually.
• Keep up with Heating System Maintenance.  If you are a landlord or homeowner, service your oil-fired heating system annually and your gas-fired system every three years for optimal efficiency.
• Take Care of Your Furnace Filter. If you are a landlord or homeowner, clean or replace your furnace filter every other month.

If you have questions about your utility bill, you can contact the City’s Utility Bill Helpline at 617-430-6230 or cambridgehelp@allinenergy.org for assistance. The City of Cambridge partners with local nonprofit All In Energy to help residents understand their utility bills and energy-saving options.