Fuel & Energy Assistance

Seasonal Fuel Assistance +

Signing up for Seasonal Fuel Assistance may increase your monthly 3SquaresVT benefit amount! Folks need to meet income requirements (185% of the federal poverty line based on the number of people in your household) to qualify for Seasonal Fuel Assistance.

The application is just two pages long and can be completed and submitted to the Department for Children and Families Economic Services Division (ESD) in a few different ways:

• Complete the online application
  
  
• Call 1-800-479-6151 or visit a district office to have a paper application printed and/or mailed to you.
  
  
• Apply in person at your local district office.
  
  
• Print and use this application form if you are only applying for fuel assistance.
  
  Mail your application to:

  Economic Services Division,
    Application & Document Processing Center 
    280 State Drive, Waterbury, VT 05671-1500

If you are unsure of how to answer a question on the application, call 1-800-479-6151 to speak with someone from ESD who wants to help! There are also a number of community organizations who can help you complete the application.

Crisis Fuel Assistance +

Crisis Fuel Assistance is to help households who may be almost or completely out of fuel. Folks who meet income requirements (200% of the FPL) are eligible to receive this assistance!

Folks must apply in person at their Community Action Agency, and it is always best to call first so you know what other documentation you may need to bring. If you are older or disabled and can not apply in person, a phone application may be taken.

Free Weatherization Services +

The Weatherization Assistance Program is a free service that will improve the energy efficiency of your home and cut down on heating costs. Services may include a comprehensive "whole house" energy assessment, state-of-the-art building diagnostics, and full-service energy-efficient retrofits. On average, the program:

• Makes about $10,000 worth of improvements per home,
• Adds about 1,500 square feet of insulation, and
• Reduces drafts by about 40%.

The application is four pages long and service providers at your local Office of Economic Opportunity will be happy to assist you. See if you’re eligible for this service!

• Central Vermont - Capstone Weatherization Office
• Champlain Valley - Champlain Valley Weatherization Service
• NETO Weatherization Office - Newport & St. Johnsbury
• Southeastern Vermont - SEVCA Weatherization Office
• Southwestern Vermont - BROC Weatherization Office

Energy Assistance +

Vermont Gas Company (VGS) and Green Mountain Power (GMP) offer energy assistance programs to subsidize home heating costs. Call ESD at 1-800-775-0516 if you have questions about who is eligible and how to apply or contact a community service provider local to you.

• GMP's Energy Assistance helps people afford energy for their homes — regardless of the fuel type. Vermonters whose income is at or below 150% of the FPL may qualify to get a 25% discount off monthly charges for energy. The two-page application will be reviewed to the Department for Children and Families Economic Services Division.
  
  
• VGS Assistance helps folks afford natural gas for their homes. Vermonters whose income is at or below 185% of the FPL may qualify to get a 20% discount off monthly natural gas bills. The two-page application will be reviewed by the Department for Children and Families Economic Services Division.

VHeat Fuel Buying Program +

Vermont State Employees Credit Union offers a low-interest credit line to VSECU members to pre-purchase a variety of home heating fuel types. After enrolling, your participation in the program will automatically renew each year unless you choose to opt-out. Learn more about VHeat and enroll here.

Water Assistance Program +

The Water Assistance Program may help eligible households catch up on past-due water bills, cover the cost of one future bill, or relieve late fees associated with a missed bill. In order to qualify, households must pay for water or wastewater services and have an income below 60% of the state median income. Priority will be given to households that have been disconnected or are at risk of being disconnected. To learn more, visit the DCF page here.