ENERGY ASSISTANCE
Mass SAVE
MassSAVE is brought to you by your local electric and gas utilities and
energy efficiency service and provides year-round home energy
solutions to save you money, improve the energy performance of your
home, reduce air pollution, and protect the environment.
Energy Bucks
In Massachusetts today, there are a number of programs that help residents who qualify manage their energy costs.These programs include fuel assistance, utility discount rates and energy efficiency services. A group of the state’s utility companies have joined forces with The Massachusetts Association for Community Action (MASSCAP) and Low-Income Energy Affordability Network (LEAN) to promote the programs to qualifying households. The initiative is known as Energy Bucks.
Utility Discounts
Utility discounts are lower rates charged to low-income customers for gas, electricity, and telephone service. Massachusetts law requires regulated utility companies to offer discounted rates to customers who receive public assistance benefits and meet income limits. Customers with low-income rates get the same level of service as customers paying the standard rate. Note: Municipal utility companies that are publicly owned do not have to offer discount rates.
Utility SHUT OFF Protection
Massachusetts laws prevent utility companies from shutting off service to people in special situations. Each utility company in Massachusetts must follow the laws and provide service to households that qualify for shutoff protection. Senior households, low-income families with infants, people with serious illnesses who cannot afford to pay their utility bills, tenants whose landlords are responsible for utility bills, and low-income people who would be without heat during the winter are eligible for shutoff protection.
FUEL ASSISTANCE
Self Help Inc.
The Fuel Assistance Program begins November 1st and ends on April 31st. It provides assistance with heating costs to over 9,000 households annually in the Self Help service area.
Citizens Energy Corporation
Created in response to the oil crisis of the late 1970’s, the Citizens Energy Oil Heat Program has delivered millions of gallons of discount home heating oil to poor and elderly households in Massachusetts and the Northeast since 1979. This unique program helps protect needy families from volatile heating oil prices, which often leave households having to choose between heating the home and paying for other life essentials, such as food, health care, or clothing.
The Good Neighbor Energy Fund
The Good Neighbor Energy Fund helps people in need pay for their winter heating fuel and other energy bills. The Fund is for people who are facing a short-term financial crisis and do not qualify for other fuel assistance programs. It is a joint effort between the gas and electric companies and The Salvation Army.
Fuel Assistance (LIHEAP)
Fuel assistance, also known as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), is a government program to help low-income families and individuals pay their heating bills during the winter. Fuel assistance is for low-income tenants and homeowners, and eligibility is based on your household's gross annual income. If you rent, you may receive fuel assistance even if your heat is included in the rent.
HOUSING
The Institute for Community Living
The Institute for Community Inclusion supports the rights of children and adults with disabilities to participate in all aspects of the community. As practitioners, researchers, and teachers, we form partnerships with individuals, families, and communities. Together we advocate for personal choice, self-determination, and social and economic justice. Key Interest Areas
- Employing people with disabilities in community settings
- Supporting children and young adults with special health care needs
- Accessing general education, and transition from school to adult life
- Expanding local recreation and school activities to include people with disabilities
- Promoting technology that aids participation in school/community/work activities
- Building organizations' ability to serve culturally diverse people with disabilities
- Examining the impact of national and state policies on people with disabilities and their families
Citizens' Housing and Planning Association
CHAPA's mission is to encourage the production and preservation of housing that is affordable to low-income families and individuals. CHAPA pursues its goals through advocacy with local, state and federal officials; research on affordable-housing issues; education and training for organizations and individuals; and coalition- and consensus-building among broad interests in the field.
Toward Independent Living and Learning
A private, not-for-profit human service agency, established in 1980, which provides a comprehensive range of services throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Our innovative services meet the needs of individuals of all ages, with mental retardation, behavioral health, physical handicaps, learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, Asperger's Syndrome, emotional problems, brain injury, and other developmental disabilities.
Public Assistance/Welfare (TAFDC)
The public welfare program in Massachusetts, known as Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC), is a U.S. government program that provides cash and medical assistance to needy families with dependent children to help them provide the basic necessities for their children.
Public Housing Authority
Public housing was established to provide decent and safe rental housing for eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Public housing comes in all sizes and types, from scattered single family houses to high rise apartments for elderly families. There are approximately 1.2 million households living in public housing units, managed by some 3,400 HAs.
Public Housing Programs
Privately Owned Subsidized Housing
Private subsidized housing is affordable rental housing for low and
moderate-income families, elders, and the disabled. It is owned and
managed privately. The government gives funds, called "subsidies," to
private housing developers. In return, the housing developers charge
low rents to eligible households.
Section 8 Housing
Section 8, MRVP, AHVP Vouchers and tenant-based vouchers are rent vouchers that let people choose their own housing anywhere they want to live. They are different from project-based vouchers and public housing, where people have to live in particular housing developments. Families with tenant-based vouchers can choose any apartment they want, as long as the rent is reasonable and the unit is safe and clean. If the family moves, the rental assistance goes with them.
