Massachusetts HEAP online applications opened October 1 for winter heating costs from November 1, 2026 through April 30, 2027. The state has also announced a separate middle-income heating oil benefit whose applications open in December 2026. Use the appropriate route; an interest form for the new benefit is not an application.
Official information checked October 20, 2026.
Quick Summary
HEAP helps eligible households pay part of primary heating costs, with free applications and first-time intake appointments. Homeowners and renters can apply, including households with heat in rent. The newly announced middle-income oil benefit is a separate December route, limited to #2 heating oil customers who do not qualify for HEAP; its notification form does not submit a claim.
New winter relief: HEAP versus middle-income heating oil assistance
The October 5 state announcement expanded winter heating help. The current Home Energy Assistance Programs page distinguishes two routes:
- HEAP: income at or below 60% of estimated State Median Income, subject to the program's other rules. The state currently lists estimated benefits of $870-$1,450 for deliverable fuel and $600-$1,000 for utilities. These are estimates, not an individual award.
- Middle-Income Heating Oil Relief: a separate, one-time estimated benefit of up to $680 for households using #2 home heating oil that do not qualify for HEAP. Applications are scheduled to open in December 2026.
For a four-person household, the state lists $103,049 as the HEAP income maximum. Its middle-income table lists $103,050 in the above-60% column and $171,749 in the 100% State Median Income column. For one person, the corresponding middle-income table figures are $53,586 and $89,308. These are total gross household income figures; the administering agency determines eligibility.
The new benefit's official page links an Expanded Heating Assistance Interest Form for opening notifications and explicitly says it is not the program application. As of October 20, the state specifies December but no exact opening day on that page. Use that page to reach the current notification form rather than treating registration as a benefit claim. Do not wait until December to apply for HEAP if that is the appropriate route for your household.
What HEAP covers
Heating sources can include oil, electricity, natural gas, propane, kerosene, wood and coal. Assistance is generally paid to the heating vendor. It is a contribution toward eligible costs, rather than a promise to cover the entire bill.
Who may qualify
Household size and combined gross annual income are among the eligibility factors. The state's guidance uses a limit of 60% of estimated state median income. For FY 2027, the official guide lists annual maximums of $53,585 for one person, $70,073 for two people and $103,049 for four people. Income is not the only requirement, and not all income counts. Ask your local agency to evaluate your household.
What help may be available
The benefit amount changes with available funding and household circumstances, including housing subsidies. Do not plan around an assumed payment amount. The state also describes electric and gas rate discounts that may be available to eligible households; confirm the applicable arrangements with the agency and utility.
Application timing and heating season
The official pages say online applications open October 1 annually and the heating period runs November 1 to April 30. For the coming winter, that means preparing in October 2026 for heating usage from November 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027. Confirm the current application cutoff and any program changes with your local agency; the heating coverage dates alone should not be treated as a guaranteed submission deadline.
Documents to prepare
- Photo ID for the primary applicant or household head.
- A list of household members.
- Heating vendor and account details.
- Housing information, such as an active lease or mortgage statement.
- Income evidence for the 30 days before the application date.
Your agency may request additional documents. Share personal records only through the official application process.
How to apply
- Open the official Massachusetts application guide.
- Use its HEAP portal link to locate your agency and start an application. The state currently links to the HEAP application and provider portal.
- If this is your first application, arrange the required intake appointment with the local agency.
- Keep your submission confirmation and respond to requests for missing information.
Returning households must apply each year. The state describes renewals online, in person or by mail. Local agencies can also explain available phone assistance.
How to follow up
Contact the agency serving your town for application questions, missing documents and case updates. Use the provider locator linked by Mass.gov to find the correct office. This guide does not promise a standard processing time or a particular status-tracking feature.
Common questions
Is there an application fee? No. Massachusetts says HEAP is free. If someone asks you to pay to apply, report the request using the contacts on the official state page.
Can renters apply if heat is included in rent? Yes, the state includes these households among people who can apply, subject to eligibility review.
Is an application the same as approval? No. The agency must assess eligibility and supporting documents before determining assistance.
Important Reminder
Check the live state guidance before submitting. A previous year's brochure or benefit amount may not match the current season. For general questions, the state lists 211 and the Cold Relief Heatline at (800) 632-8175.
Disclaimer
Statewise Apply Guide is an independent informational website. It is not a government agency, benefits office, law firm, financial advisor, or official application portal. We do not process applications, determine eligibility, issue payments, or provide legal, tax, financial, or benefits advice. Program details, deadlines, eligibility rules, and application links may change. Always confirm information with the official agency before applying.