Help with heating costs available now for Cape Cod, Island residents. Here's how to apply.

The state Home Energy Assistance Program is now accepting applications for fuel assistance. The federally-funded program helps pay for fuel for a primary heating source including oil, natural gas, propane, electricity, wood and coal.

Applications can be completed online. It is free to apply. Several social service agencies on the Cape and Islands will be assisting clients with information and applications.

Eligibility for home energy assistance also provides twelve months of discounts on electric, natural gas and basic Verizon telephone bills. Eligibility may also include free weatherization and heating system repair.

The program runs through April 30 of next year.

Who is eligible?

Eligibility is based on gross income, household size, vulnerability to heating costs and town of residence.

Households who have used the same primary heat source for at least twelve months should submit copies of their heating bills for the 12 months prior to application for a potentially higher fuel assistance benefit level.

For households in an emergency situation, who have not already submitted all documents to complete their file, all income and other information must be submitted to the office by fax or email the day of application in order to receive emergency assistance.

The gross annual income eligibility for a family of one in Massachusetts is $45,392. For a family of four, the gross annual income eligibility is $87,294. For more information about income eligibility go to https://www.sscac.org/fuel-assist

Senior citizens can call their local Councils on Aging for assistance with their applications.

How to apply for fuel assistance

The South Shore Community Action Council oversees the program for Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, according to a statement from the council.

It's free to apply and applications are available online or in person through a network of social service providers. A list of Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket agencies can be found on the SSCAC website https://www.sscac.org/fuel-outreach-sites.

What do you need to apply for fuel assistance?

The Cape Cod office is at 133 Falmouth Road, Building 1 Suite E, Mashpee, MA 02649. The office is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for applications.

Applicants must submit documents that include proof of income, street address and identification. Typically, those who received fuel assistance last year should have received an application in the mail in late summer. Additional documents include proof of income for the past thirty days for all household members over 18; picture identification; proof of citizenship and proof of street address.

Applicants must sign and submit an application before receiving a call from fuel assistance staff. A staff member will review the documents submitted and inform you of any missing necessary documents needed to complete the application.

Applicants can also mail documents to 71 Obery St., Plymouth, MA 02360; fax to 508-746-5140; or submit online at fuelassistance@sscac.org. The Plymouth office is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for applications.

New applicants can apply online at the Home Energy Assistance portal including uploading required documents directly into the portal. First time applicants can also apply over the telephone by calling 508-746-6707 or toll free 877-FUELAID (383-5243) to schedule a call with an intake worker who will assist with a telephone application.

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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Winter heating expenses on Cape can be high. Here is how to find help.