Utility Assistance for Single Mothers in Massachusetts

Where to start

If utility debt is connected to rent, eviction, or unsafe housing, read the Massachusetts housing guide.

Quick reference

HEAP status and income limits

HEAP pays part of eligible winter heating costs for oil, natural gas, electric heat, propane, kerosene, wood, coal, and other approved heating sources. Renters and homeowners can apply. A renter whose heat is included in rent may also be eligible.

The 2025-2026 heating season ran from November 1, 2025, through April 30, 2026. Applications for that season are now closed. The state says online applications open October 1 for the upcoming season. Households must apply each year, and first-time applicants must complete an intake process.

The FY26 income limit was 60% of estimated state median income. These are the annual limits posted for the closed 2025-2026 season:

Use these numbers only as a guide until Massachusetts posts the next season’s chart. Not all income is always counted the same way, so let the local agency review your household.

How HEAP works

The state accepts applications online, in person through a local agency, or by mail while the season is open. Use the official HEAP application page to find the agency and current instructions.

1. Find the local agency. The agency is based on the city or town where you live.
2. Apply each season. Prior approval does not automatically renew the next year.
3. Complete intake. First-time applicants may need an appointment or additional review.
4. Send requested proof. Keep copies and proof of upload, mailing, or delivery.
5. Read the decision. Ask how the benefit was calculated and when the vendor will receive it.

The benefit depends on household income, size, heating source, housing situation, and available funding. HEAP normally pays the heating provider instead of giving cash directly to the household. A benefit may not cover the full bill.

If food costs are pulling money away from heat or electricity, the Massachusetts SNAP guide may help. The Massachusetts TAFDC guide covers temporary cash assistance.

Massachusetts shutoff protections

Financial hardship does not automatically protect every account. Tell the utility that you cannot pay the overdue amount and ask which proof it requires.

The official shutoff protection page says a regulated electric or gas company cannot shut off service without DPU permission when financial hardship exists and one of these situations applies:

• You or someone in the home is seriously ill.
• An infant under 12 months lives in the home.
• All adults are age 65 or older and a minor child lives in the home.
• It is November 15 through March 15 and the service is needed to heat the home.

The winter protection period has ended for 2025-2026, but serious-illness and infant protections may still apply outside winter when the household meets the rules. Ask the utility for its financial-hardship form, medical certification, or infant proof requirements.

If the service is already off, call the utility and ask for restoration under the applicable protection. If the regulated company does not resolve the issue, contact DPU. City and town water departments and municipal utility systems may use different complaint paths.

If a landlord controls the account or threatens to end essential service, use the Massachusetts legal guide to find legal aid.

Discount rates and old utility debt

Massachusetts regulated electric and gas companies offer income-based discounts and arrearage management programs. Eligibility often connects to HEAP or state food, cash, or medical benefits.

The state utility bill help page says arrearage programs generally serve eligible customers with an active account and at least $300 that is 60 days past due. When the customer makes the agreed monthly payment, part of the older debt is removed.

Massachusetts ordered investor-owned electric and gas companies to move toward six tiered low-income discount levels. Implementation can differ by company and service type. Ask the utility what discount is active on your account now rather than relying on an old percentage.

If child care or medical bills make the utility plan unaffordable, check the Massachusetts child care guide and the Massachusetts health guide.

Heating repair and weatherization

HEARTWAP

The HEARTWAP program provides emergency heating-system repair, replacement, and maintenance for eligible low-income households. Eligibility generally follows HEAP and the 60% state-median-income limit. The program mainly serves homeowners.

Landlords must maintain heating systems for tenants under state housing rules. A renter should notify the landlord in writing and contact the local board of health or inspection office if required heat is not restored.

Weatherization Assistance Program

The Massachusetts WAP page says eligible homeowners and renters with landlord permission may receive energy-saving work. Services can include insulation, air sealing, and health and safety measures. Households with young children, older adults, disabilities, or high energy costs may receive priority.

Mass Save

Mass Save income programs may provide no-cost energy assessments and approved efficiency upgrades for qualifying households. Ask whether your utility or municipal provider participates and whether income verification is needed.

Weatherization and efficiency work can lower later bills, but these programs are not a same-day substitute for a shutoff payment.

Water and sewer bill help

Massachusetts does not have one statewide household water benefit that works like HEAP. Help depends on the city, town, water district, or investor-owned water company.

Call the billing office and ask about:

• A payment plan or due-date extension
• A low-income, senior, or disability discount
• A leak or high-use adjustment
• A hardship fund or local charity
• Rules for tenants when the account is in the landlord’s name

For example, the Springfield water programs include a customer assistance credit for some eligible single-family homeowners and a possible adjustment for qualifying leaks. These rules do not apply statewide.

DPU handles complaints involving investor-owned water companies, not most municipal water departments. Contact the city or town directly for a municipal account.

Phone and internet help

Massachusetts Lifeline gives eligible households a monthly discount on one phone, internet, or bundled service from a participating company. Qualification can be based on income or programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, federal housing assistance, or certain veterans benefits.

Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household. Approval through the national system does not automatically enroll you with a phone or internet company; you must choose a participating provider.

The Affordable Connectivity Program ended June 1, 2024. The FCC ACP page confirms that the monthly discount is no longer active. Avoid sites that promise new ACP enrollment or ask for a fee.

The phone and internet guide explains Lifeline, provider plans, and device help.

Documents to gather

Do not wait for every paper before calling about a shutoff. Ask what is required, then gather safe copies. The documents checklist can help you organize one folder.

If disability affects heating, cooling, or medical equipment, the disability help guide lists other benefit and legal paths.

If help is denied or delayed

Ask for the reason in writing. A problem may involve missing documents, household income, account ownership, a closed season, duplicate applications, an ineligible expense, or exhausted local funding.

The benefits problem guide can help you track calls, notices, and deadlines. If transportation makes it hard to reach an agency or appointment, ask 211 about local ride options.