Get Help with Winter Heating Bills: Apply to the Fuel Assistance Program

Do you need help paying your winter heating bills? The Fuel Assistance Program helps income-eligible residents pay heating bills between November 1 and April 30. 

You are eligible to apply if:

• You are a Cambridge or Somerville resident
• You are a renter or homeowner
• You meet federal income guidelines (see details below)

How to Apply 

• Apply online through the Massachusetts' Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) online portal. 
• Mail application documents to: Fuel Assistance c/o Dept of Human Service Programs, 51 Inman St. Cambridge, MA 02139
• Email application documents to: dhspfuel@cambridgema.gov
• Drop off application documents at: the Fuel Assistance office (51 Inman St., Basement Level, Cambridge, MA 02139) or in the Fuel Assistance dropbox located outside of the Basement Level entrance of 51 Inman St. on Inman Place. 

Applications will be accepted through April 30, 2025. Completed applications are reviewed on a rolling basis in order of submission. 

Income Eligibility

To be eligible for the Fuel Assistance Program, your household income cannot exceed 60% of Massachusetts’ estimated State Median Income (PDF).

Not all income counts toward eligibility. Please confirm your actual eligibility with our Fuel Assistance Office. To speak with a staff member or check the status of your application, call 617-665-6234.

Program staff can also help eligible applicants who are experiencing a no-heat situation or who are facing immediate utility shutoff. If you are experiencing a no-heat situation, call 617-665-6234 and fuel assistance can be provided within 24 hours. 

For more information about the program, visit www.cambridgema.gov/FuelAssistance. 

The Fuel Assistance Program is also known as the Massachusetts Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).