LIHEAPApril 2026 · 6 min read
LIHEAP 2026 Income Limits Massachusetts:
Heating Assistance Eligibility Guide
✅ Quick Answer
Massachusetts LIHEAP eligibility is based on 60% of State Median Income (SMI). For a family of 4, that's $82,330/year. Benefits average $1,200–$3,000/year depending on fuel type and usage.
What Is LIHEAP?
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) is a federal program that helps Massachusetts households pay heating bills. It's administered by the state and distributed through local Community Action Agencies (CAAs). In Massachusetts, LIHEAP is often called "Fuel Assistance."
Unlike a rebate, LIHEAP provides direct payments to your heating fuel supplier or utility — you typically never see the money. The program automatically re-enrolls eligible households who continue to qualify.
2026 LIHEAP Income Limits — Massachusetts
Eligibility is based on 60% of the Federal State Median Income (SMI). Here are the 2025–2026 thresholds:
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit | Monthly Limit |
|---|
| 1 person | $42,861 | $3,572 |
| 2 persons | $56,018 | $4,668 |
| 3 persons | $69,174 | $5,765 |
| 4 persons | $82,330 | $6,861 |
| 5 persons | $95,486 | $7,957 |
| 6 persons | $108,643 | $9,054 |
| 7 persons | $121,799 | $10,150 |
| 8 persons | $134,955 | $11,246 |
How Much Will I Receive?
LIHEAP benefit amounts in Massachusetts depend on: fuel type (heating oil, gas, propane, electricity), household size, income, and annual heating costs. The average Massachusetts LIHEAP benefit was approximately $1,400–$1,800 for heating oil households in recent years.
| Heating Fuel | Typical Annual Benefit |
|---|
| Heating Oil / Kerosene | $1,400–$3,000 |
| Natural Gas | $800–$1,800 |
| Propane | $1,200–$2,400 |
| Electric Heat | $600–$1,200 |
| Wood / Pellets | $600–$1,000 |
How to Apply in Massachusetts
1
Find Your Local CAA
Call 1-800-632-8175 or visit mass211.org to find your Community Action Agency. Each region has a designated agency (e.g., Action for Boston Community Development, South Middlesex Opportunity Council).
2
Gather Documents
Required: proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, SSA letter), ID for all household members, recent heating bill or account number, lease or mortgage statement.
3
Apply November–April
Applications are typically accepted November 1 through April 30, but apply early — funds are limited and served on a first-come, first-served basis for non-emergency applications.
4
Heating Emergency Assistance
If you run out of fuel or are facing shutoff, call your CAA for emergency LIHEAP — available year-round regardless of normal application window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does LIHEAP affect my other benefits?
No. LIHEAP benefits are excluded from income calculations for most other programs including Medicaid, SNAP, and SSI.
Q: Can I get LIHEAP if I own my home?
Yes. LIHEAP is available to both homeowners and renters who meet income requirements.
Q: What if I use electric heat or a heat pump?
Electric heat customers qualify for a lower benefit amount since electricity costs less per BTU than oil or propane. Heat pump households qualify at the electric heating rate.
Q: Can I get LIHEAP and Mass Save at the same time?
Yes — these are separate programs. LIHEAP income-eligible households also qualify for Mass Save's income-eligible rebates (up to $16,000 for heat pumps) and EmPower MA weatherization.
See All Programs You Qualify For
LIHEAP-eligible households often qualify for Mass Save rebates, WAP weatherization, and MOR-EV too. Check all 11 programs at once.
Coming SoonSources: MA DHCD LIHEAP program, federal HHS SMI guidelines. Last updated April 2026.
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