Ask an expert
Q: We’ve always heated our home with a wood stove, but can no longer keep up with our wood supply. We’re considering using heating oil as our main source of heat, but the cost may be too much for us given our fixed incomes. How do we know if we’re eligible for heating assistance?
Ask an expert: Director John Gallagher and the MaineHousing staff
A: MaineHousing provides heating assistance to eligible low-income seniors through the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The eligibility process starts with a telephone call to a local community action agency (CAA) to set up an appointment and fill out an application. CAAs begin scheduling appointments for the upcoming heating season in August.
Some seniors may need additional assistance, such as repairs or replacements of their heating systems, or weatherization of their homes. MaineHousing offers a couple of programs to seniors who already are eligible for LIHEAP and who live in a home that’s in good structural condition. To determine if you are eligible for these programs, MaineHousing’s partners at the community action agencies can help you through the application process.
One is MaineHousing’s Central Heating Improvement Program (CHIP), which provides grants to repair or replace central heating systems that serve low-income households. CHIP funds may be used to repair or replace dangerous, malfunctioning or inoperable heating systems that pose a threat to health or safety. The maximum grant is $3,000 for an owner-occupied home. Limited CHIP benefits of up to $300 may be available for rental properties occupied by LIHEAP eligible tenants.
Another is MaineHousing’s Weatherization Program, which provides grants to low-income homeowners and renters to reduce energy costs by improving home energy efficiency. Improvements may include insulation, weather-stripping and some safety-related repairs.
Local community action agencies know the people and the towns in which they serve, and MaineHousing appreciates on our partnership with them to assist low-income seniors in need.
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