The Heating Assistance Program continues to process applications to help area residents pay for their heating bills and will accept applications through April 30th. (View Updated Benefits/Income Guidelines).

At the end of December the federal government announced that states would receive an additional $845 million in fuel assistance funding. But the bad news is the overall funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)is $3.5 billion nationwide, compared to $4.7 billion a year ago. Before the December increase, Massachusetts received $99 million and Community Action Inc. was granted $1.7 million, down from  $4.4 million last year. John Condon, energy director at CAI, said it has not yet been determined how much additional funding CAI will receive from the December allocation but said the program has received new income and benefit totals. (View Updated Benefits/Income Guidelines)

The Heating Assistance Program continues to process applications to help area residents pay for their heating bills and will accept applications through April 30th. Condon said area households that heat with oil have another source of help. The Citizen/Citgo Oil Assistance Program is now accepting applications. This program is available to  households experiencing  financial problems. The toll free number is 1-877-563-4645.

To contact the CAI Heating Assistance Program call, 978-373-1971 or toll free 1-800-332-9004.