Connecticut Expands Heating Aid as Winter Costs Rise

Connecticut Plans More Help With Winter Heating Bills

Connecticut state leaders planned to discuss rising heating costs in New Haven on Tuesday, Sept. 22, as the state prepared to help 10,000 more households than last year.

The assistance comes through the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program, a federally funded program administered by the Department of Social Services. CEAP helps eligible Connecticut households offset home heating costs.

Benefits for the 2026-27 season range from $355 to $705, depending on household size, income and heating source, according to the Department of Social Services. The department administers the program statewide through nine Community Action Agencies.

New Haven Event Set for Sept. 22

The expanded assistance comes as heating costs are expected to rise. The National Energy Assistance Directors Association estimates that households using heating oil will pay 31.3% more this year, with the average family facing a $500 increase.

Electric-heat customers are expected to pay about 9% more, or approximately $100 more. Natural-gas customers are expected to pay about 6% more, or around $40 more.

Heating Assistance Can Reach $705 Per Household

CEAP benefits are generally paid directly to a utility company or fuel vendor. Households that use deliverable fuels, including oil, kerosene or propane, may qualify for additional fuel deliveries.

CEAP recipients may also qualify for payment-matching plans, shut-off protection and heating-equipment repairs or replacement. The benefit is annual, meaning households must apply each year to receive assistance.

Who Qualifies for Connecticut Energy Assistance

A household may qualify if it is a Connecticut resident and receives SNAP, Temporary Family Assistance, Supplemental Security Income, qualifying means-tested veterans benefits or other qualifying Department of Social Services benefits.

Households can also qualify based on income. The annual income limit is 60% of state median income. The limit is $48,714 for a one-person household, $63,703 for two people, $78,692 for three people and $93,681 for four people. The limit rises to $108,669 for five people, $123,658 for six people, $126,469 for seven people and $129,279 for eight people.

Applicants generally must provide a Social Security number for each household member, although the Department of Social Services lists exceptions. Applicants whose income comes from Social Security must provide an award letter because the department cannot verify that information directly.

Applications Are Open Through May 2027

Applications for the 2026-27 season opened Sept. 1, 2026, and can be submitted online, by phone, by email, by mail or in person through a local Community Action Agency. In-person applicants can call their agency to schedule an appointment or walk in if appointments are available.

Applicants should have a copy of their most recent electric bill. Households using oil, kerosene or propane must provide the name of their fuel vendor or select an authorized vendor. Households using gas or electricity must provide a copy of their most recent gas or electric heating bill.

Applicants who do not receive qualifying public benefits must provide income documentation. For employed household members, the documentation may cover the last 30 days, any four consecutive weeks within the previous three months or the prior 12 months if that better reflects annual income.

Applicants must establish eligibility by May 31, 2027. Applications submitted by mail must be postmarked by that date. Deliverable-fuel households that apply after the authorization deadline may still submit paid fuel invoices for purchases made between Nov. 2 and April 1 for review under program eligibility.

State Funding Comes Through LIHEAP

Connecticut’s program is funded through the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. LIHEAP provides funding to states to help low-income households offset home energy costs.

The Department of Social Services held a public hearing Aug. 12 on Connecticut’s federal fiscal year 2027 LIHEAP allocation plan. DSS contracts with nine Community Action Agencies to administer CEAP for households whose income falls at or below 60% of state median income.

Experts cited by WFSB also recommend steps to reduce heating bills, including installing a heat-pump system, lowering the thermostat, keeping windows locked and closed and maintaining insulation.

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