If heating oil costs are straining your household budget, you are not alone — and there is real help available. The Northeast has a robust network of federal, state, and local assistance programs specifically designed for homeowners and renters who struggle with heating costs. Here is a complete guide to what is available in 2026.
LIHEAP: The Federal Foundation
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is the primary federal program for heating assistance. Funded by the federal government and administered by each state, LIHEAP provides direct assistance payments to eligible households to help cover heating costs including heating oil.
Eligibility is based on household income — typically 60 percent of state median income or 150 percent of the federal poverty level, whichever is higher. A family of four with an income under approximately $45,000 to $55,000 depending on state typically qualifies. Benefits vary by state and funding levels but can range from $300 to $1,000 or more per household per heating season.
LIHEAP applications open in the fall in most Northeast states. Contact your local Community Action Agency — found at liheap.acf.hhs.gov — to apply.
State-by-State Programs
Connecticut — Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP): Provides heating assistance for income-eligible households. Benefits are paid directly to fuel dealers. Apply through local Community Action Agencies or 2-1-1 Connecticut.
Massachusetts — Fuel Assistance Program: Administered by Community Action Agencies, this program provides heating assistance for households at or below 60 percent of state median income. Emergency fuel assistance is also available for households in crisis. Contact your local Community Action Agency or call 2-1-1.
New York — Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP): Provides multiple benefit types including regular heating assistance, emergency heating assistance, and equipment repair or replacement. Apply through your local Department of Social Services.
New Jersey — Universal Service Fund / Home Energy Assistance Program: New Jersey’s HEAP program combined with the Universal Service Fund provides assistance to low-income households. Apply through NJ’s Division of Family Development.
Pennsylvania — Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program: Pennsylvania’s LIHEAP provides both cash grants and crisis assistance. Apply through your County Assistance Office.
Maine — Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program: Maine’s LIHEAP is administered through local Community Action Agencies. Maine also has an Emergency Energy Assistance Fund for households in immediate crisis.
New Hampshire — Energy Assistance Program: Administered through local Community Action Agencies. NH also has crisis funds for households facing immediate shutoff or fuel emergency.
Vermont — LIHEAP / VHAP: Vermont’s program includes both standard benefits and a weatherization component. Apply through your local Community Action Agency.
Rhode Island — LIHEAP / Operation Winter Warmth: Rhode Island’s LIHEAP is supplemented by Operation Winter Warmth, a utility-administered program providing additional heating assistance.
Delaware — Delaware Energy Assistance Program: Administered through the Delaware Health and Social Services Division. Applications open in October each year.
Maryland — Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP): Provides fuel assistance for income-eligible households. Apply through your local Department of Social Services.
Emergency Heating Assistance
All Northeast states have emergency heating assistance available for households facing an immediate crisis — a tank at zero, a furnace that has failed, or a disconnection notice. Emergency programs typically have faster processing times and can sometimes arrange same-day or next-day fuel delivery through participating dealers.
If you are in an immediate heating emergency, call 2-1-1 — the social services helpline available in all Northeast states. They will connect you with the fastest available assistance in your area.
Utility and Dealer Programs
Beyond government programs, several other resources exist for heating oil customers in need.
Many heating oil dealers have informal hardship programs or relationships with local charitable funds. If you are a longtime customer facing a temporary hardship, a direct conversation with your dealer is worth having. Many dealers work with customers they know rather than lose them to a competitor or face non-payment.
Local churches, Community Action Agencies, and town social services offices often maintain emergency fuel funds donated by local businesses and residents. These funds are typically small but can provide a delivery when government programs are backlogged.
Weatherization Assistance
Reducing your home’s heating oil consumption through weatherization permanently reduces your annual heating cost — more valuable long-term than any one-time assistance payment. The federal Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) provides free insulation, air sealing, and efficiency improvements for income-eligible households. Contact your state energy office or Community Action Agency for eligibility information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for LIHEAP heating assistance? Apply through your local Community Action Agency or state Department of Social Services. Find your local agency at liheap.acf.hhs.gov or call 2-1-1.
What income qualifies for heating oil assistance? Eligibility varies by state but generally covers households at or below 60 percent of state median income. A family of four earning under $45,000 to $55,000 typically qualifies in most Northeast states.
Is heating oil assistance paid directly to me or to the dealer? In most programs, benefits are paid directly to your heating oil dealer, who then credits your account. You do not typically receive a cash payment.
What if I am in an immediate heating emergency? Call 2-1-1 immediately. Every Northeast state has emergency heating assistance available for households with no heat. Emergency programs can often arrange delivery within 24 to 48 hours.
Can renters apply for heating oil assistance? Yes, if you pay for your own heating oil. If your landlord pays for heat, you may qualify for other utility assistance programs. 2-1-1 can identify the appropriate programs for your situation.