Important Notice: Applications for Home Energy Assistance Program * HEAP*  (Fuel Assistance)
 
WCAC is accepting applications to the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) for the 2025-2026 winter season for first-time clients and clients renewing/recertifying from the previous year. Applications are being mailed now to previous HEAP recipients for recertification.
WCAC is experiencing a significant impact to staffing capacity due to federal budget implications. However, demand for our services is growing.
As a result, we are strongly encouraging households that are either first-time applicants or returning clients to apply online using the online portal that opened on October 1st, 2025. https://www.toapply.org/WCAC
Returning applicants will need their account number and PIN to submit through the online portal.  The 2025 PIN is located on the top of the green paper application that was mailed to you or by calling our customer service department at 508-796-2423. 
Please anticipate delays in processing applications and payments due to the federal government shutdown that started October 1, 2025.
HEAP will have limited funding beginning November 1st for heating emergencies only. Typical annual benefits for fuel assistance that are NOT emergencies are otherwise halted until the federal government reopens and approves a discretionary budget for fuel assistance.  Heating-related emergencies only will be prioritized until additional federal funding is available.
Heating-related emergencies include:
      • No heat.
      • A termination notice from a utility.
      • Less than 1/8 of a tank of oil.
      • Less than three days’ supply of other deliverable fuels.

First-time applicants may apply online beginning October 1, 2025, or complete an in-person application starting November 1, 2025, available through walk-ins between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Those unable to apply online or by visiting either our main office or off-site locations can do so over the phone by calling 508-754-1176.

You can check the status of your application by calling our automated line anytime at 508.796.2423. You can email to connect with a member of our fuel assistance team with any additional questions. Your patience is appreciated.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE

Tips for completing your application online:

  • When you start an application online, you may save your information and return to it at a future date.
  • Please be sure to include all members of your household on your application, including children.  Your benefit is determined by the number of people who live in the household and your combined income.
  • Online applicants should be prepared to upload supporting documents listed below from your phone, tablet or computer.  It is strongly recommended to have them with you before you start the process. Incomplete applications will delay approval process. Complete applications are processed faster!
  • You may bring, mail or fax documents to the agency after you submit your application. Fax # is 508-463-9696. Mailing address is 18 Chestnut Street, Suite 500, Worcester. Office is open to the public weekdays 9am-4 pm (excluding holidays).
  • Please refrain from emailing personal information.  Additional documents may be uploaded to the portal at any time.

Required Forms/Information:

When you apply, please provide the following:

  • A copy of your current heating bill
  • Picture ID for the first applicant
  • Qualified alien status or citizenship verification for everyone.
  • Current GROSS income (before taxes and other deductions) from all sources for all household members for the past 30 days (pay stubs from 4 weeks in a row if paid weekly or 2 if paid bi-weekly)
  • Award letter for Social Security, Disability, SSI, VA, Pensions or other fixed income sources.  1099 for is also acceptable.
  • If receiving child support, must complete appropriate form and provide backup documentation.
  • Unemployment : monetary determination page
  • Documentation for the source of Interest Income of over $100 or more
  • If self-employed, a signed copy of prior year’s entire tax returns with all attachments. If self-prepared , a transcript will be requested.
  • Rental Income: Previous year’s tax returns or housing cost deduction forms such as tax, water bill and insurance expenses and verification of rental income received. Household members 18 years and over who are students must provide documentation from the school.
  • If over 18, not a student, and claiming no income applicants must sign a no-income statement.
  • Current tenant profile if you have a rental subsidy.