Cambridge, MA, October 13, 2022 -- The Cambridge Fuel Assistance Program is accepting applications for the 2022-2023 season. The program, also known as the Home Energy Assistance Program, helps low-income residents in Cambridge and Somerville pay their winter heating bills between November 1 and April 30. Renters and homeowners in both cities are eligible to apply if they meet federal income guidelines. Fuel Assistance applications will be accepted through April 30.

Over the past five years, the Fuel Assistance program has distributed more than $4.8 million in heating bill assistance to Cambridge and Somerville residents. “This program is an incredibly important resource for low-income residents in the Cambridge and Somerville communities, especially as gas and heating prices are expected to rise this winter,” said Ellen Semonoff, Assistant City Manager of Human Services. “Our Fuel Assistance staff review every application to ensure that eligible households are getting the maximum amount of financial benefit available to them to help them stay warm and save money during the winter months.”

Clients who previously participated in the program were mailed a print application to reapply last month. New and returning applicants can apply for Fuel Assistance online and must submit their supporting documentation in one of the following ways:

Upload to the Fuel Assistance online portal
Mail to: Fuel Assistance c/o Dept of Human Service Programs, 51 Inman St. Cambridge, MA 02139
[email protected]
Drop off at the Fuel Assistance office (51 Inman St., Basement Level, Cambridge, MA 02139) or in the Fuel Assistance dropbox located outside of the Basement Level entrance of 51 Inman St. on Inman Place.?
Fuel Assistance staff review applications on a rolling basis and contact applicants to go over their documentation and confirm eligibility. Spanish-speaking staff are available to assist applicants, and additional language support can be provided upon request. In-person appointments are also available upon request, and staff make home visits to applicants who are homebound and need support providing documentation and completing their application.  

The Fuel Assistance Program serves as a gateway for clients to access additional utility and energy efficiency benefits offered through other agencies. Fuel Assistance staff connect eligible clients to programs that provide gas and electric bill discounts, weatherization improvements like insulation and sealing, the state’s Heating System Repair and Replacement Program, and more. 

Eligible applicants in no-heat situations or who are facing immediate utility shutoff can receive Fuel Assistance within 24 hours. 

To check the status of an application, speak with Fuel Assistance staff, or report a no-heat situation, call 617-665-6234. For more information about the program, visit www.cambridgema.gov/FuelAssistance.