Heating assistance programs set to begin

SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - Now that the fall season is here and temperatures begin to fall, many residents are already thinking about heating costs and what’s to come.

Utility bills are about to transition from costs of summer cooling to winter heating. for many, it’s a time to adjust their budget in order to stay warm this season.

Western Mass News turned to the Valley Opportunity Council to find out about their budget to provide heating assistance for local families in Hampden County this year, after they faced delays last season.

“In the past couple of weeks, we’ve seen an increase in inquiries through social media, on the phone, on our website, people asking when they can get their application, ” Director of Programs Melissa White told us, while the season officially begins on November 1st, they’re seeing an increase in people reaching out looking for assistance,

“Sometimes, people don’t apply because they think they’re not eligible, they think someone else needs it more. I would advise people to apply, this can really help people balance out making ends meet, having more money for groceries, for medical bills, for things like that. This is available for homeowners, renters, folks that work, seniors on a fixed income, no matter how you heat your home, whether its wood, oil, gas come see us.”

So far, they’ve already received 4,000 applications, but there is still plenty of time to apply for heating assistance, as the deadline won’t be until April 30th.

Eligibility requirements change yearly, so you’re encouraged to apply at valleyopp.com