The purpose of Fuel Assistance is to eligible households with the cost of home heating. It is designed to help offset this expense rather than to pay all of it.

To be eligible for Fuel Assistance, there are certain income guidelines and living arrangements that must be met. The household must be responsible for paying the heating bill. Fuel Assistance applications are accepted from the second Tuesday in October through the second Friday in November at local departments of social services. Applications are processed as soon as possible and applicants should expect notification of their eligibility determination by mid-December.

Steps to Apply

1. Complete screening for potential eligibility
2. Submit application to your local department of social services (you can also pick up an application at your local office or ask them to mail one to you).

Note: You may need to be interviewed by an eligibility worker, depending on the type of assistance requested.