Moulton, Massachusetts Delegation Celebrate over $130 Million in Heating Assistance for Low Income Families

BOSTON, MA – The Massachusetts congressional delegation — including Senators Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), along with Representatives Seth Moulton (MA-06), Richard Neal (MA-01), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), Katherine Clark (MA-05), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), and Bill Keating (MA-09) — released the following statement today in celebration of the Department of Health and Human Services awarding Massachusetts more than $130 million in funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to provide assistance on household energy bills:

“No family should have to suffer through a cold winter in Massachusetts simply because they cannot afford to heat their home. LIHEAP funding is a lifeline for tens of thousands of Bay Staters and their families every year," the lawmakers said. "This $130 million will help make sure that families can afford the heating they need to stay warm and safe. We will keep fighting for bigger, bolder LIHEAP investments so that low-income households in every corner of our Commonwealth aren’t forced to choose between chills and bills.”

Maintaining livable indoor temperatures is critical for personal safety, particularly for households with young children, older adults, and individuals with disabilities. By helping to reduce home heating and cooling costs, reconnecting and preventing energy services that have been turned off, and subsidizing minor home upgrades for temperature moderation, LIHEAP will keep thousands of Massachusetts families safe in their homes.

Today’s funding release includes funds appropriated by Congress from the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024, as well as $100 million appropriated for Fiscal Year 2024 from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (The IIJA). Nearly $200,000 of the funding was awarded to Tribal nations in Massachusetts for direct administration of LIHEAP.

Homeowners and renters who earn under 60% of the state’s median income are eligible for the program. The Department of Health and Human Services has released an eligibility calculator to help determine who qualifies for assistance. The tool is available in English, Spanish, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese.