With temperatures beginning to drop, state and local agencies are encouraging eligible residents to apply for fuel assistance through the Home Energy Assistance Program.

HEAP, offered through Community Action Pioneer Valley, is a free service that helps pay a portion of winter heating costs for income-eligible households. To qualify, a person must be a renter or homeowner and meet certain income guidelines. At least one person in the household must be a U.S. citizen, a legal resident or a person with documented immigration status.

“Oil prices have the prospect of going up, so I think the need will be high,” said Clare Higgins, executive director of Community Action Pioneer Valley. “We’re never able to meet everybody’s fuel needs, so we can usually do maybe a third of the cost, depending. We always encourage people to apply, but to the best of their ability, plan a little bit ahead, which most of our clients know that, or do that.”

Community Action provides fuel assistance money for residents in Hampshire and Franklin counties, while other organizations, including Valley Opportunity Council, covers Hampden County.

Last year, the nonprofit received close to 9,000 applications, of which it was able to provide some level of assistance to about 8,000. Higgins expects a similar demand this year.

“That’s usually the range we get,” Higgins said. “Some years we’ve gotten more.”

She noted that the application can now be filled out online, though applicants are still welcome to visit in person at 377 Main St., Greenfield.

Community Action Pioneer Valley serves as the local agency for HEAP, a statewide, federally funded service, which offers assistance from Nov. 1 to April 30.

Article continues after...

Yesterday's Most Read Articles

A Waterfront revival: Two years after buying closed tavern, Holyoke couple set to open new event venue

Island superintendent picked to lead Amherst-Pelham region schools

Music key to Northampton’s downtown revival: State’s top economic development leader tours city

Pro-Palestinian encampment disperses at UMass, but protests continue

Area property deed transfers, May 2

Amherst council hears call to scale back Jones work

“The Massachusetts Home Energy Assistance Program is free because no resident should have to worry about heating their home during the wintertime,” said Ed Augustus Jr., Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities in a statement. “High fuel costs can have a devastating effect on household budgets and can even endanger Massachusetts’ most vulnerable residents. We encourage anyone who needs heating assistance to explore their eligibility by applying online or visiting the nearest administering agency. And to please share the information with loved ones or neighbors who could benefit from this free resource.”

Higgins added that applying for the fuel assistance program also acts as a gateway to other services the agency can provide, including weatherization.

“There are a lot of old homes in our region,” she said. “If you need some weatherization done, or heating system services, we can help with that.”

Reporter Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne.