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AUBURN, Mass. – The Lorraine Gleick Nordgren Senior Center in Auburn has several options for residents to access fuel assistance this winter, a season that weather forecasters predict will be especially cold.
While eligibility for most fuel assistance is based on gross income, the following agencies have fuel assistance available in limited amounts and for limited time periods:
Keeping Auburn Warm: Heating assistance is available at any time of the year for low-income people or those with an emergency financial situation. Funding is also available to help with insulation. For more information, call 508-721-7723.
Worcester Community Action Council (WCAC) LIHEAP Program: Gross income for an individual cannot exceed $31,271 per year for this program. Fuel assistance is available from Nov. 1 through April 30, subject to availability from the state and federal governments. To qualify, applicants must provide copies of all household income and a recent fuel bill with the applicant’s name on it. For more information, call WCAC at 508-754-1176.
Citizen’s Energy: The Citizen’s Energy Oil Heat Program has previously provided a limited amount of oil to low-income and elderly households. For more information, call 1-877-JOE-4-OIL (1-877-563-4645).
Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund: Available to any Massachusetts resident who cannot meet a month’s energy bill and is not eligible for state or federal energy assistance. Income for either the previous 12 months or the past month (times 12 months for a total annual figure) must fall between 60 percent and 80 percent of the state's median income levels for an individual, which is $29,126 to $38,835. The usual grant per household is $300 per heating season and will be paid directly to the vendor. For more information, call 1-800-334-3047.
Mass Energy Consumer Alliance: This discount program has no income limits. Membership can be as low as $10 per year for individuals age 60 and older, or free for those on fuel assistance from WCAC. For more information, call 1-800-287-3950.
HEAT USA: This energy program negotiates discounts on oil prices and service protection from full service local companies. Membership is $25 per year. For more information, call 1-800-649-7473.
For more information on fuel assistance, call the senior center at 508-832-7799.
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