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November and December almost had me fooled with the lack of snow, but winter has now irrefutably come to Western Massachusetts. For many, especially those on a fixed income, fuel assistance can be much needed financial relief for the high cost of heating a home.
Here in the Pioneer Valley, the local fuel assistance programs are administered either by the Valley Opportunity Council (VOC) if you reside in Hampden County or by Community Action Pioneer (CAPV) Valley if you reside in Hampshire County. All modes of home heating are eligible for assistance. Oil, Electricity, Natural Gas, Propane, Kerosene, Wood, and even Coal heating systems can receive subsidies.
In addition to financial assistance with the actual fuel or month to month bills, both the VOC and CAPV offer financial assistance in repairing or replacing broken heating systems in your home. To be eligible for this program you must already be on fuel assistance or receive a utility discount rate for electricity or natural gas.
While my office does not oversee or approve applications, we work closely with the VOC and CAPV. My staff is happy check on your eligibility if you are unsure if you qualify. They are also happy to assist with filling out applications as well checking in on the status of applications that are already in process.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office for assistance with this program and any other state issues. We can often be found at my new district office (94 North Elm Street, Suite 301-P Westfield, MA), or contacted via email at john.velis@masenate.gov, or by phone: (413) 572-3920.
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