By late January, many New England households have received their biggest heating bills of the year. At the same time, tax season is getting underway. For families and individuals on tight budgets, these two pressures can collide, making it harder to keep the heat on and to claim refunds or credits they may be eligible for.
You do not need to be a financial expert to help. Knowing where to point people, and offering to help them make a call or fill out a form, can make a real difference. This guide covers common resources for heating help and free tax assistance, with tips for supporting neighbors respectfully. It provides general information only, not financial or legal advice. Program rules change, so always confirm details with official sources.
Fuel Assistance Basics
The federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, often called LIHEAP or simply “fuel assistance” in Massachusetts, helps eligible households pay for heating costs. In Massachusetts, the program is administered through local agencies, often community action agencies, that accept applications and determine eligibility.
Eligibility typically depends on household income and size. Both homeowners and renters may qualify, including renters whose heat is included in their rent, depending on program rules. Applicants generally need documentation such as proof of income, identification and recent heating bills.
To find the right local agency, neighbors can check state government websites or dial 2-1-1 for information about services in their area.
Utility Programs and Protections
Gas and electric utilities in Massachusetts offer programs that may help customers who are struggling, such as:
- Discount rates for income-eligible customers
- Payment plans to spread out overdue balances
- Arrearage management programs that may forgive portions of past-due balances for customers who make regular payments, depending on eligibility
- Budget billing, which spreads costs evenly across the year
Massachusetts also has seasonal protections against heating service shutoffs for qualifying households during the winter months. Rules and eligibility details vary, so encourage neighbors to call their utility directly, ask what programs are available and explain their situation.
Weatherization and Energy Efficiency
Reducing heat loss lowers bills over time. Options include:
- Weatherization assistance: Programs for income-eligible households may provide insulation, air sealing and other improvements at no cost.
- Home energy assessments: Many Massachusetts residents can access no-cost home energy assessments through state energy efficiency programs, which can identify improvements and available incentives.
- Simple fixes: Weatherstripping doors, sealing window drafts with plastic film kits, using draft stoppers and closing curtains at night can help.
Neighbors with handy skills can help others install simple draft-reducing measures, which also makes a great community skill-share project.
Heating Safety Reminders
When money is tight, people sometimes turn to unsafe heating methods. Share these common-sense reminders:
- Never use ovens, stoves, grills or generators to heat a home.
- Use space heaters according to manufacturer instructions, keep them away from flammable items and never leave them unattended.
- Make sure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working.
- Keep outdoor vents clear of snow.
If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, get everyone outside and call 911.
Free Tax Preparation Help
Tax season brings opportunities for many households to receive refunds and credits, but filing can be confusing and paid preparation can be expensive. Free help is available for many people:
- VITA: The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program offers free basic tax return preparation to qualifying taxpayers, generally including people with low to moderate incomes, people with disabilities and those who speak limited English. Volunteers are trained and certified.
- TCE: The IRS Tax Counseling for the Elderly program offers free tax help, with a focus on taxpayers age 60 and older.
- IRS Free File: Eligible taxpayers can file federal returns online for free through IRS partner software.
The IRS website offers a locator tool to find VITA and TCE sites. Many sites operate at libraries, community centers and community organizations during tax season and may require appointments.
Volunteer as a Tax Preparer
If you are comfortable with numbers and detail-oriented work, consider volunteering with a VITA or TCE program. Volunteers complete IRS training and certification, and programs also need greeters, interpreters and administrative helpers who do not prepare returns. It is a meaningful way to put money back into your community’s pockets.
Helping a Neighbor Apply for Assistance
Applications can feel overwhelming. You can help by:
- Listening first. Ask what they need help with, and respect their privacy.
- Finding the right contact. Look up the local fuel assistance agency, utility customer service number or VITA site together.
- Making a document checklist. Help them gather required papers, such as identification, income proof and bills.
- Sitting in on the call, if they want company.
- Following up to see if they need anything else.
Never ask for or store a neighbor’s Social Security number, bank details or passwords. Encourage them to share sensitive information only with official agencies and trusted professionals.
Watch for Scams
Scammers sometimes pose as utility companies or the IRS, threatening shutoffs or penalties unless immediate payment is made by gift card or wire transfer. Remind neighbors to hang up and call the official number on their bill or the agency’s official website instead.
Quick Resource Checklist
- Local fuel assistance agency, found through state websites or 2-1-1
- Utility customer service for discount rates and payment plans
- Weatherization and home energy assessment programs
- IRS VITA and TCE site locator for free tax help
- Working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Quick check: A caller claiming to be the utility demands payment by gift card within an hour to avoid a shutoff. What should your neighbor do?
- Buy the gift cards immediately.
- Hang up and call the official number on their utility bill.
- Give the caller their bank account number instead.
Show answer
B. Utilities do not demand gift card payments; calling the official number confirms whether there is a real issue.
