Home Energy Assistance
Helping low-income families end their dependence on public support
New England Farm Workers’ Council (NEFWC) has managed the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for the City of Springfield since 1982. The agency has run the same program for 27 cities and towns in northern Worcester County since 1987. LIHEAP assists low-income households, including owners and renters, in meeting the high cost of home heating. It serves over 14,000 families each year.
Also known as NEFWC's
Fuel Assistance Program, LIHEAP pays benefits of fixed amounts based on
household income. An additional benefit is available to households having a high
energy burden. NEFWC and other administering agencies determine household
eligibility based on annualized income and number of household members. The
agency makes utility payments to the primary heating vendor -- oil, gas,
electric or other. Special provisions are made for those households whose heat
is included in their rent and for those living in subsidized housing. All
eligible households receive discounts of up to 35 percent on utility and
telephone service.
NEFWC fuel assistance clients who are homeowners are also eligible for the
state's Low Income Sewer and Water Assistance Program and indirectly for the
state's Weatherization Assistance Program, a year-round home energy service, and
Heating Emergency Assistance Retrofit Task Weatherization Assistance Program.
The latter is designed to provide heating system repair and replacement services
to low-income households and is also available year-round.
Low Income Sewer and Water Assistance provides eligible households that receive
both sewer and water bills with a benefit of 25 percent of their annual bill, up
to a maximum of $200. Funding for this program is provided through an agreement
with the MA Department of Revenue. Applicants do not have to accept LIHEAP
benefits to qualify. Eligibility is based on 175 percent of federal poverty
guidelines.
Contact:
Mary Ann
Kobylanski
(413) 272 - 2202