Local agency urges families to think ahead for heat assistance

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - Summer is not over yet, but the Valley Opportunity Council is still urging families who need heating assistance to apply early before the cold weather and the demand hit.

“We’ve started posting on our social media, making sure things are updated on our website,” said Melissa White, director of programs at valley opportunity. “We have been calling folks that have applied in the past to remind them that applications will be out in the beginning of September.”

Over 20,000 households in western Massachusetts received HEAP assistance last heating season from Nov. 1 to April 30. White expects that number to go up this time around.

She also said it seems global events, such as unrest in the Middle East, are partly responsible for rising oil and heating costs.

To be eligible, requirements include residing in Hampden County and your household income not exceeding 60 percent of the estimated state median income. Those who have heat included in their rent and meet income and residence eligibility may be eligible to receive a subsidy for a portion of their monthly income from November to April.

White encourages people to apply even if they don’t know if they qualify and says you should complete the process early.

“It can help households pay other bills, so they have this help with their heating,” she said. “They might have more money to put towards groceries, to put towards the medical bills, etc.”

HEAP applications will start being mailed out next week and the review process gets underway on Oct. 1.

To find out more information on the program, you can click here.