Fuel assistance season is November 1 to April 30 every year. The Boston area agency that manages the federally funded Fuel Assistance program is Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD). ABCD Fuel Assistance helps more than 15,000 low-income households in Boston, Brookline and Newton pay fuel bills during the heating season. This program can also provide assistance to client whose heat is included in their rent. Fuel assistance will pay up to $715 of a family’s fuel bill (though the state is currently pledging to supplement that amount). “In 2005, when the average price of heating oil in Massachusetts hit $2.49 a gallon, a family of four earning $21,000 qualified for about $1,100 to help cover heating bills, according to (ABCD)….
FUEL ASSISTANCE SEASON IS HERE
Now, with the average price at $2.91 and climbing, the program pays that family just $715. Yesterday, Governor Deval Patrick said the state would contribute $15 million to the fuel assistance program, which would provide $150 more in aid to that family, according to the agency. Still, a current prices, that's barely enough to fill the typical 250-gallon tank, and New England households usually need two to three tanks of oil to get through the winter.” To Apply
Those who received Fuel Assistance last year, must return the application they received in the mail. All other fuel assistance applicants may apply through their local intake site. Applications are taken from November through March at ABCD's Central Office or at any of ABCD’s neighborhood intake sites. For those from outside the Boston area, social service staff can see IRis keyword: Financial/FuelAssistance or call 800-632-8175. Apply early; funds do run out.What to Bring:
1. Proof of income for everyone in the household who is 18 years or older. If someone is 18 years or older and is a full-time student, submit a letter from their school or college.
2. A Social Security number for everyone in the household who is 18 years or older.
3. Identification for the person applying- bring one of the following: TAFDC, SSA/SSI, Veteran’s Benefits, Pension/Annuity, MassHealth card, Social Security card, birth certificate, driver’s license or state ID, food stamp card or U.S. Military card.
4. Most recent copy of lease or paid rent receipt. For homeowners, bring mortgage statement.
5. Most recent PRIMARY heating bill (oil, gas or electric).ABCD 617-357-6012.
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Fuel Assistance Financial Eligibility 2007-2008
Household Size Total Year Gross Income
1 $20,420 2 27,380 3 34,340 4 41,300 5 48,260 6 55,220 7 62,180 8 69,140 Over 8 See Fuel Program Staff
10/07