Fuel Assistance
North Brookfield Hearts for Heat & WCAC
North Brookfield Hearts for Heat, founded in 2008, is a community based and community driven charitable organization that raises funds to be used to purchase fuel for qualified applicants in North Brookfield.
100% of the donated funds raised will be used to meet the home heating needs of residents affected by a fixed income, Covid, job loss, injury, or illness. Not even a postage stamp will be purchased with these dollars unless specified by the donor.
Applicants are required to first apply for federal fuel assistance through Worcester Community Action Council. WCAC’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), best known as fuel assistance or home heating assistance, helps homeowners and renters pay home heating bills, past due balances on utility bills, and in some cases receiving forgiveness credit and making monthly payments. Financial assistance is available for income-eligible households to help pay home heating bills between November 1 – April 30 of each year.
Once the federal heating commitment has been awarded, and used, Hearts for Heat will then apply their assistance. This two-step teaming can offer several months of heat during the coldest months.
NB Hearts for Heat will provide one, possibly two, deliveries of fuel oil (or the equivalent in natural gas, pellets, electricity, cordwood, or propane) to qualified NB residents. Like WCAC, assistance is paid directly to the provider.
Even if you are ineligible to receive federal assistance, you most likely will be approved by NB Hearts for Heat. However, you must provide a copy of your rejection letter when submitting your application.
Below are some important links for both WCAC & Hearts for Heat.
*2022-2023 Hearts for Heat Application* Applications are reaccepted from November 1st through April 30th, but will be reviewed if there is sustained cold weather before and after these dates.
*2022-2023 Hearts for Heat Brochure* Includes information about NB Hearts for Heat and other heating resources.
National Grid Hardship/Discount/Protection Applications: Link to printable page with "live" National Grid links
Quaboag Hills Community Coalition Community Fund: Provide financial assistance to individuals or households in the Quaboag Hills region that need urgent financial assistance. Examples of types of assistance include (but are not limited to): To avoid eviction | Car repairs | To leave a dangerous living situation | Heating costs | Medical expense | Legal expenses | Funeral costs More Information | Community Fund Application
Important WCAC Links (Federal Fuel Assistance)
WCAC INFORMATION: WCAC knows many households are struggling financially due lost or reduced wages as the result of COVID. We also know many households are experiencing increased utility usage because they are working from home or have children doing remote learning. What we want those households to know, is that WCAC is here to help – home heating help is here. Learn more here about applying for help whether you are a returning client or someone finding themselves struggling for the first time. Email LIHEAP@wcac.net with any additional questions.
FIRST TIME APPLICANTS: All first time applications must complete a face-to-face interview between November 1st and April 30th. New applications can be submitted at the Worcester Office located in the Denholm Building, 484 Main Street, Worcester on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. New applications also accepted by appointment at outreach sites in Southbridge, Webster, Spencer and West Warren.
Eligibility is based on the number of individuals who live in a household, their combined income, housing status and fuel type.
RETURNING APPLICANTS: Please note, applications for recertification for the 2021-2022 season have been mailed. If you have not received yours, please email mailto:LIHEAP@WCAC.NET or call 508-754-1176 with questions. Check the status of your application through our 24/7 automated phone system by calling 508-754-7281 and following the voice prompts.
INCOME ELIGIBLE PROGRAMS (MASS SAVE): Depending on your household income, you could save money with no-cost energy efficiency programs to reduce your energy costs.
ENERGYBUCKS: If your household’s monthly income is at or below the amounts shown below, you may be eligible to receive fuel assistance, discounts on your monthly utility bill and weatherization services, and participate in electric efficiency programs. If you are a homeowner, you may also be eligible for heating system assistance.
HOME ENERGY ASSESSMENTS: National grid offers energy efficiency products and programs designed to help you save money and energy—all while protecting the health of your home and the environment.
NORTH BROOKFIELD RESOURCES: Emergency housing, shelter, heating systems, housing mediation, eviction legal help
