New Hampshire Fuel Assistance Program Opens Two Weeks Early, Receives Nearly $25M in Federal Funding

Concord, NH - Today, Governor Chris Sununu announced that the New Hampshire Fuel Assistance Program (FAP) has opened, which assists vulnerable Granite State Families with their heating bills. The program is opening two weeks earlier than the typical December 1 date, thanks to the release of $24,798,928 in federal LIHEAP funding for Federal Fiscal Year 2020.

“With winter fast approaching, it's critically important for Granite Staters in need of fuel assistance to apply for these important benefits," said Governor Chris Sununu. "No child, family or senior citizen should be without the fuel they need to stay warm this winter."

"The Office of Strategic Initiatives (OSI) is proud to administer such an important program for the citizens of New Hampshire," said Jared Chicoine, Director of the Office of Strategic Initiatives. "We look forward to providing this crucial benefit over the home heating season. I would encourage anyone who may need fuel assistance to contact their community action agency or OSI for more information.”

Known in Washington as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the Fuel Assistance Program provides assistance to New Hampshire households whose annual household income is at or below 60% of the State Median Income - the highest amount allowed by federal statute - which equates to a maximum annual income of $65,732 for a family of four this year. The average FAP benefit for eligible households this winter, based on the federal grant award, is expected to be approximately $899.

Fuel Assistance Program benefits are a supplement to a household’s annual fuel needs and will rarely cover costs for the entire heating season.  Applicants are encouraged to apply well in advance of running low on fuel - fuel scarcity is not necessary to qualify for assistance.

The Fuel Assistance Program, administered by the New Hampshire Office of Strategic Initiatives in partnership with the State's five Community Action Agencies (CAAs), provides assistance to those who need help to pay their winter heating bills.  New Hampshire residents in need of assistance are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure that they can receive fuel deliveries before colder weather arrives to New Hampshire.

General information about New Hampshire’s Fuel and Weatherization Assistance Programs, along with application information, can be found here.

NOTE: The State has been awarded 90 percent of the FFY 19 grant award pending passage of a final federal budget by the expiration of the current continuing resolution on November 21, 2019. New Hampshire’s funding level has remained relatively consistent in past years.

Contact information for the Community Action Agencies and their outreach office locations can be found here. Homeowners and renters can learn more about saving energy and money here.

Information about the income-eligible Weatherization Assistance Program that is also administered by the Office of Strategic Initiatives can be accessed through the local CAAs or through electric and natural gas utilities.