The truth is, after years of working, many seniors live on a fixed income, but energy costs don’t remain constant. You can get a fixed rate energy plan, but over time the costs change.
The federal, state and local governments understand this predicament that many seniors are up against. When faced with limited income options, seniors shouldn’t also have to worry about keeping their homes liveable.
We’ve got our 55+ customers covered with a resource guide that will point you toward energy assistance programs for seniors in the northeast no matter where you live or what your current living situation is like.
The State Administered Federal Aid Program
Today there are a number of energy assistance programs that are funded by the federal government, however it’s up to state agencies to approve applicants for the program and provide assistance. This approach is used so that assistance can be received more quickly.
LIHEAP Program
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is meant to help with a range of energy-related costs. One of the biggest benefits is a reduction in home energy bills. Seniors could also receive assistance for weatherization and minor energy-related repairs like replacing a thermostat.
LIHEAP Heating Assistance Program
The LIHEAP Heating Assistance Program helps specifically with heating-related costs. In addition to getting financial assistance with home heating bills, qualifying seniors can get help with heating-related repairs, heating equipment replacement and energy efficiency improvements.
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
The Department of Energy offers a federal assistance program known as the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). Eligible applicants get assistance paying for weatherization projects that can make a home more energy efficient and lower the cost of monthly utility bills.
State Administration Offices
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Ohio Department of Development
Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources
Connecticut Department of Social Services
Pennsylvania Energy Assistance Programs for Seniors
Pennsylvania has an excellent selection of programs that provide assistance with utility costs as well as great consumer education. The Pennsylvania Department of HumanServices even hosts educational events that can be attended by anyone in the public.
Dollar Energy Fuel Fund
The Dollar Energy Fuel Fund is a charitable program that’s one of the largest of its kind in the country. The fuel fund program offers assistance with heating costs by working directly with utility companies.
Customer Assistance Programs (CAPs)
State law mandates that utilities have Customer Assistance Programs (CAPs) that assist low income households with energy costs when needed. The programs include assistance paying energy bills and energy reduction measures so that less energy is consumed.
Low-Income Usage Reduction Program (LIURP)
The goal of LIURP is to help low-income customers use less energy so there’s less of a financial burden. This program is largely educational, but it can lead to real savings when you know simple changes that reduce energy use. Applicants may also be eligible to receive free weatherization services.
Ohio Energy Assistance Programs for Seniors
Ohio has a lot of creative energy assistance programs that many seniors could apply for. Whether an increase has made utilities unaffordable, there’s been a temporary financial setback or you’re already behind on payments, there are energy assistance options for seniors in Ohio.
PIPP Plus
Utilities are required to participate in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) initiative, which mandates that qualified low-income customers are only required to pay 6% of their monthly income or $10 (whichever is greater) for gas and electric service.
Electric Partnership Program (EPP)
The EPP is a complimentary program for PIPP recipients. The goal of the EPP program is to reduce energy use in low-income households by conducting energy audits, making energy efficiency improvements to the home and providing free weatherization.
Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program (E-HEAP)
Income eligible seniors that have had their utilities disconnected or are at-risk of being disconnected can apply to the Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program for help from November through March. The program helps with a number of related expenses including transfer fees, establishing new energy services and the first PIPP payment.
Winter Reconnect Program
If your utilities have been shut off or are at-risk of being shut off due to non-payment, the Winter Reconnect Program can help. The program provides financial assistance for paying off the amount due and reconnection fees. Any utility customer can make use of the Winter Reconnect Program, however the benefit is only available one time between mid-October to mid-April.
Maine Energy Assistance Programs for Seniors
In Maine the weather can be frigid for months, increasing the energy costs that make a home liveable. Maine also has a large population of senior citizens. In fact, the state has the highest median age in the U.S. Fortunately, the state is there to help seniors with everything from home repairs to one-time emergency assistance.
Rural Housing Repair Loans and Grants
Seniors that live in rural areas of Maine and own their home should look into the Rural Housing Repair Loans and Grants. If you are 62 years old or older you’re eligible for grants that cover the cost of home repairs that improve energy efficiency, safety and comfort. There are also loans with a low 1% interest rate that are available to all low-income homeowners.
Low-Income Assistance Program (LIAP)
Seniors that are eligible for LIHEAP can also utilize Maine’s Low-Income Assistance Program. LIAP provides a credit on electricity bills. The benefit is available to renters and homeowners.
Maine Seacoast Mission
Seniors in coastal areas of Maine may be able to get emergency assistance from the nonprofit organization Maine Seacoast Mission. Funds can be used to pay for electricity and heating costs.
Massachusetts Energy Assistance Programs for Seniors
The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities offers additional state and local energy assistance programs that seniors can benefit from.
Good Neighbor Energy Fund
The Good Neighbor Energy Fund is ideal for seniors that make between 60-80% of the median state income and don’t qualify for other assistance programs. Seniors who are eligible and facing financial difficulty can get help paying utility bills.
Fuel Assistance Program
As the name suggests, this program provides assistance with heating costs. All seniors that make 60% or less of the median state income is eligible whether they own their home or rent.
Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) Program
RAFT is a safety net program for households that are at risk of becoming homeless. This could be due to income loss or rising expenses for those who earn 30-50% of the average monthly income. Some of the many benefits include help paying late utility bills and assistance with utility setup expenses.
Connecticut Energy Assistance Programs for Seniors
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont recently signed a bill to provide more assistance with energy costs for all state residents as the need increases. The demand outpaced the funds provided by LIHEAP for the year, so the state will cover the difference. However, there are additional state and regional programs for seniors that need financial help with energy-related expenses.
Operation Fuel
This program is run by a non-profit that supplies energy assistance in Connecticut. The Operation Fuel Program uses donations to pay energy providers directly and lower the out-of-pocket expense for eligible applicants.
Renters Rebate Program
The Renters Rebate Program provides indirect assistance. Renters who are 65 or older can get a rebate based on their income, rent amount and utility costs. The idea is that the rebate can be used to offset the costs.
Contingency Heating Assistance Program (CHAP)
The CHAP program is beneficial for seniors that make higher incomes since the qualification limit for assistance is higher. CHAP will provide financial assistance for heating costs for seniors that make up to 60% of the state median income.
There are additional programs offered by counties, cities and local utility companies. If you’re a senior citizen that needs assistance paying for energy, contact your Community Action Agency for information on other programs and to apply for one of the programs listed above.
At Major Energy we’re dedicated to making energy costs as affordable as possible for customers. Our customer care team is happy to discuss your energy plan options as well as programs that you may be eligible for. They are knowledgeable reps that can make sure you get the assistance you deserve!