By Ann Danford and Andrea Steward 

Many people in Maine are worried about heating costs this winter, especially with the rising cost of electricity and heating oil.

The Home Energy Assistance Program, or HEAP (also called LIHEAP), helps Mainers with low and moderate incomes pay for their heating costs. HEAP helps pay for heating fuel, including firewood, oil, electricity, and gas. The amount of HEAP that eligible households get depends on household size, income, heating costs, and other factors. HEAP usually is paid directly to your heating and electric companies. 

You can apply for this benefit at mainehousing.org under ‘energy programs.’

Am I eligible for HEAP if I am an immigrant?

Possibly! HEAP is a federally funded program. You are eligible if you are a legal permanent resident, a refugee, an asylee, a person paroled into the U.S. for at least one year, if your deportation order has been withheld, if you have been granted conditional entry, or if you are a Cuban or Haitian entrant. 

You are not eligible if you are an asylum seeker or if you do not have legal permission to reside in the U.S. Mixed status households can get HEAP assistance for eligible household members.

What are the income limits for HEAP?

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You’re eligible for HEAP if your income is at or below the amount in the chart below, based on your family size. 

HOUSEHOLD SIZE

HOUSEHOLD INCOME

1 MONTH

3 MONTHS

12 MONTHS

Source: 

What if I am a renter and my heat is included in my rent?

If your heat is included in your rent, you can still apply for HEAP. 

When should I apply for HEAP?

If you think you’re eligible for help, you should apply for HEAP as early as possible. There is no downside to applying as early as possible. Applications for the 2025-2026 HEAP Program season started on August 1, 2025, and continue until funds run out, or May 29, 2026. We encourage people to apply as early as possible because funds usually run out before the application period closes.

How can I learn more about HEAP?

You can learn more on MaineHousing’s website: 

Other programs that help with utilities

In addition, if you are eligible for HEAP, you may be eligible for other benefits to help make ends meet. If you are interested in any of these other benefits, contact your CAP agency or tell your HEAP worker that you would like to apply for these programs: 

  • Low Income Assistance Program (LIAP) – If you receive residential electric service from an electric utility, like CMP or Versant, and you are not living in government-subsidized housing, you may be eligible for help paying your electric bills through your electric utility’s Low Income Assistance Program (LIAP). Ask your CAP agency to help you apply, or contact your electricity provider directly and ask about the LIAP program.
  • Weatherization – If your home is not as energy efficient as it could be, you may qualify for home weatherization improvements through the Weatherization Program. You can apply for weatherization benefits at your local CAP agency. 
  • Central Heating Improvement programs – If your heating system is in need of repair or replacement, you may qualify for the Central Heating Improvement Program (CHIP). You can apply for this help at your local CAP agency.
  • Arrearage Management Program (AMP) – If you are behind on your electric bill, and you meet eligibility criteria, this program can help you reduce what you owe.

If you have questions about HEAP or if you think you should be eligible for HEAP or other heating help and aren’t allowed to apply, contact us at maineequaljustice.org/contact-us/ or by calling (207) 888-9788.