Since the recession hit, families around the country have been struggling to make ends meet. It is still extremely difficult to find employment, and many people who are employed are working more hours for less money. Families are finding it difficult to pay their bills.  Even though this winter has been mild so far, families may find that they do not have the money to pay for their heating costs. However, help is available at the Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS).

Many low-income families may be eligible for Fuel Assistance, a program that helps households pay their heating bills during the heating season, from November to May. Fuel Assistance, officially known as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a social service originally established in 1981 and funded by the government. Households receiving fuel assistance will have part of their heating bills paid for by the LIHEAP program.

Fuel Assistance is available based on the total annual income of all members of a household who are eighteen years or older. This year, to be eligible, a household size of 1 must be making less than $31,218 annually while a household of 4 can be making up to $60,035 annually. A chart of income eligibility for households with families of 1 to 17 is available on www.Massresources.org  in the “LIHEAP Fuel Assistance” Section under Energy and Utility Assistance.

Currently, local organizations guide clients through the application process for Fuel Assistance. The Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS) provides Fuel Assistance services, as well as many other services, in the Somerville community. The mission of CAAS is to “reduce poverty among local families and individuals while working to counteract – and whenever possible, eliminate – the societal conditions that cause and perpetuate poverty.“ While many people may be aware of CAAS’ Head Start program or their efforts to help families at risk of being evicted, they may not be aware that CAAS also provides a resource for low-income families to pay for their heating bills through LIHEAP.

Although the program is set to end in the beginning of May, it may end as soon as funding runs out. Since the money for Fuel Assistance is limited, it is important that families who are eligible apply as quickly as possible, as assistance is provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

In addition to assistance paying for heating costs, Massachusetts homeowners and renters who receive fuel assistance are also eligible for free weatherization of their homes, through the Weatherization Assistance Program. This government program helps save households on average $350 per year in energy cost by making their homes more energy efficient.  After a home is weatherized–which may include anything from insulating the attics and walls to installing storm windows–homes will be easier to heat and heating bills will be lower.

In these harsh economic times, the last thing most households can do is wait. Take advantage of these programs now to ensure that you and your family are able to afford heating your house during this harsh winter.
(press release from CAAS)