Energy Assistance Before Winter: How to Get Help With Heat

Connecticut's energy assistance program helps older adults and households with limited income pay for heat — oil, gas, electric, propane, or wood. Applications usually open in the fall and run through the winter, with earlier deadlines for deliverable fuels like oil and propane. Call us at (860) 774-1243 to confirm this season's dates.

Who usually qualifies: households with limited monthly income. Owning your home does not disqualify you. Renters whose heat is included in the rent can often still qualify. Many people who assume they earn too much do qualify — it costs nothing to ask.

What to bring:

Photo ID for yourself Social Security numbers for everyone in the household Proof of income for the last four weeks — Social Security award letter, pension statements, pay stubs Your most recent heating bill or oil delivery slip Your most recent electric bill A recent bank statement Your lease or mortgage statement

How to apply: TVCCA runs the program for our area — call them at (860) 889-1365. You can also come to the center and we will fill out the application with you, make copies of your papers, and follow up if you do not hear back. That is what the Municipal Agent to the Elderly is here for.

If you get a shut-off notice or you are almost out of oil: do not wait for an appointment. Call TVCCA at (860) 889-1365 and tell them it is an emergency, and call us at (860) 774-1243. There are crisis funds set aside for exactly this, and there are winter protections for households with older or medically vulnerable members. Say the words "I am out of fuel" or "I have a shut-off notice" — that changes how quickly your case is handled.

Other help: the Access Community Action Agency at (860) 412-1600 and TEEG at (860) 923-3458 also assist local households with utility and fuel costs.

Apply early. The money is limited and the fall is the busiest time. If you have applied in past years, you still have to apply again — it does not renew on its own.