Payment Assistance Programs
Everyone needs a little help sometimes. We have a variety of programs to help income-eligible families and customers with their energy bills, save energy, and access additional assistance.
Discount Rates on Electric
Income-eligible customers may qualify for a discounted rate on electric service. To be eligible, you must be a National Grid customer and already enrolled in an eligible benefit program or the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). To see if you are eligible and apply, fill out the Electric Discount Rate Application.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is also known as the Fuel Assistance Program. This federally funded program helps income-eligible households pay their energy bills. Eligibility is based on your household size and annual household income. Household income cannot exceed 60% of the estimated State Median Income.
| Household Size | Maximum Annually Income Limit | Maximum Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $45,392 | $3,492 |
| 2 | $59,359 | $4,566 |
| 3 | $73,326 | $5,640 |
| 4 | $87,294 | $6,715 |
| 5 | $101,261 | $7,789 |
| 6 | $115,228 | $8,864 |
| 7 | $117,846 | $9,065 |
| 8 | $120,465 | $9,267 |
| 9 | $123,084 | $9,468 |
| 10 | $125,703 | $9,468 |
| Each additional person | +$2,619 | +$201 |
HEAP applications open October 1 for the upcoming heating season (November 1, 2023 – April 30, 2024). You can apply online at https://toapply.org/MassLIHEAP or contact your local Fuel Assistance Agency, which you can find on the MASSCAP website.
If you have any questions about LIHEAP, please call the Massachusetts Heat Line toll-free at 1-800-632-8175.
Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund
The Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund is available to any Massachusetts resident who, because of temporary financial difficulty, cannot meet a month’s energy expense and is not eligible for state or federal energy assistance. Household income must fall between 60 and 80 percent of the state’s median income levels. For more information, visit the Good Neighbor website or call 1-800-334-3047 (serving area codes 508, 617, 781, and 978) or 1-800-262-1320 (serving area code 413).
Protection for Eligible Customers
If cannot pay your bills due to financial hardship, your utility service will NOT be shut off for nonpayment if:
- You are 65 years or older
- You have an infant under the age of one year
- You have a serious medical emergency
For more information, please call the phone number listed on your bill, or to see if you qualify, visit the Special Protections webpage.
State Federal Funds
Residential Assistance to Families in Transition (RAFT)
This program lends short-term financial assistance to income-eligible families who are at risk of becoming homeless and are behind on rent, mortgage payments, or utility bills. RAFT also helps families who have to move but do not have enough money to pay a security deposit, utility startup costs, or first and last months’ rent. To learn more, visit this website.
Energy Efficiency Services
Based on your income level and household size, you may be eligible for no-cost energy efficiency upgrades—whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or landlord. It all starts with a no-cost Home Energy Assessment to determine possible energy-saving opportunities. To see if you qualify for up to 100% off energy-saving home improvements and additional incentives, visit our Income-Based Offers page or call Mass Save® at 1-866-537-7267.