Helping Families Stay Warm

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program

We can help qualifying households to keep warm and provide assistance in paying energy bills through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, also known as LIHEAP or fuel assistance. LIHEAP/fuel assistance applications for the 2022/2023 fuel season are available. If you have not received one already, please contact us at (978) 681-4950. The deadline to apply is April 30, 2023. An application must be signed and postmarked by that date to begin the fuel application process.

No heat? For emergency heating assistance, call (978) 681-4955

How Fuel Assistance Works

• Aid is available to pay a portion of winter heating bills for the primary heat source for households meeting federal income guidelines (see below).
• Payments are made directly to the fuel provider.  Applies only to oil, propane, coal, wood, gas, kerosene and electric.
• Aid may be available even if your rent includes heat or you live in subsidized housing.
• Supplemental benefit considered for eligible households with a high energy burden.
• We serve Lawrence, Methuen, Andover, North Andover, Reading and North Reading.

Who Qualifies?

You may qualify if the total annual gross income for all household members meets state and federal guidelines.

Apply Now for Fuel Assistance

LIHEAP (fuel assistance) applications for the 2022/2023 fuel season are available. If you have not received one already, please contact us at (978) 681-4950.  The deadline to apply is April 30, 2023. An application must be signed and postmarked by that date to begin the fuel application process.

New LIHEAP applicants

To apply, schedule an appointment with LIHEAP staff using one of the following options:

•    Schedule an appointment using our online scheduling system.  Click here to schedule an appointment  
• Appointments by phone, call (978) 681-4950 between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday & Friday. 
• E-Mail liheap@glcac.org

Home visits are available to homebound handicapped and elderly applicants.

Previous LIHEAP applicants

You will receive an application and instructions by mail. Complete the application and return it with copies of the required documents. No appointment is necessary.

Required Documents

To apply for fuel assistance, will you need copies of all of the following documents with your signed  2022-23 application:

• Proof of income from all sources for the past 30 days for all household members 18 years or older. 
• Social Security numbers and birth certificates for all household members.
• One of the following photo IDs: A valid government-issued ID, a student ID, or an employee ID.
• Current heating/utility bills to verify address.
• Proof of rent or mortgage payment amount. For renters, a current copy of lease/rent agreement.  For homeowners, bring a copy of your mortgage statement, tax bill, and homeowner insurance premium.

Return Completed Applications by April 30, 2023

Send the completed application and copies of the required documents to GLCAC LIHEAP:

Email: liheap@glcac.org

In-Person: Give them to GLCAC staff at the help desk or deposit them in the drop box at 305 Essex Street, Lawrence. 

Mail:

Fuel Assistance staff is available Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. to conduct phone interviews, process applications, check the status of fuel applications or answer any questions about LIHEAP. Call (978)-681-4950.

Behind on the Bills?

• Call your utility company to set up a monthly payment plan in exchange for a reduction in debt.
•  Check your utility bill to see if you are receiving discount rates as a low-income household.

Facing a Service Shut Off?

Gas and electricity may not be shut off from November 15 to March 15 if you demonstrate a financial hardship or are already billed at a discounted rate.  You can prevent a heat or electricity shut off by contacting the utility with documentation that shows:

Elderly

• All household members are 65 years of age, except for minor children in the care of the elder(s). 

Serious Illness

• The customer or a family member living in the residence has a serious illness, as stated in a letter from a doctor, nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant or the Board of Health. (A letter for a serious illness must be renewed every 30 days; every 90 days for a chronic illness.)
• Proof of financial hardship form.

Infant in the Home

• Proof an infant under the age of 12 months lives in the home (birth certificate, baptismal certificate, or any other reasonable proof.)
•     Proof of financial hardship.

Recently Moved

• Proof you qualify for a Cromwell Waiver that prevents a denial of service at a new location for unpaid balances from previous addresses.
•  Proof of payment plan for unpaid balances.