CFC taking fuel assistance applications as new season approaches

The cold weather is coming which means some Fall River area residents could use a little help to stay warm.

The LIHEAP Fuel Assistance Program assists eligible households pay their heating bills during the winter season or until benefits are exhausted. Clients receive various discounts such as telephone discounts, electric discounts, and gas and oil discounts. The fuel assistance season begins November 1st.

Here are some details on the program, courtesy of CFC, along with what information and qualifications are needed.

Eligibility: Eligibility is based on annual gross household income, family size and annual heat consumption. Income guidelines used are established by the federal government.

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Service Area: Fall River, Assonet, Freetown, Rehoboth, Swansea, Somerset, Seekonk, Westport, Taunton, Berkley, Dighton, and Lakeville.

Documentation Needed: Clients must document a minimum of “4” consecutive weeks of income or any number not to exceed the prior “52” weeks. Proof of residence is required for all applicants by submitting a copy of a current heating or electric bill. Social security numbers are requested of all household members over 18 yrs of age. Proof of housing costs is also required. For renters, please submit a copy of the current lease or rent receipt and for homeowners, please submit a current mortgage statement, real estate tax bill and homeowners insurance policy with an annual premium.

Households must document US Citizenship or “Qualified Alien Status” for all members. Some examples of documentation are: social security card, birth certificate and/or green card. Call for more details.

Please note: Households that include non-citizens may be eligible for fuel assistance benefits if the non-citizens are “Qualified Aliens” or if at least one member of the household is a United States citizen (which may include a child born in the US). Green cards (INS Form I-551) are one of the documents that establish “Qualified Alien” status for a member of the household. Call for more details.

Application Process: Face to face interview with an intake worker for the initial application of assistance is required. In subsequent years, client is mailed a pre-printed application which the client verifies for accuracy of the information or updates incorrect information and returns the application to C.F.C.’s Fuel Office.

Fall River Office
Address: 250 Griffin St., Fall River, MA 02724
Telephone: (508) 679-0041
Automated Telephone Line: (508) 676-7397
(Four languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, Khmer)
FAX: (508) 675-0245

Office Hours:
November 1st thru April 30th
Mon/Wed/Thur 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday 8:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Friday emergencies only 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Sat. 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Off-Season Office Hours:
Mon. – Fri. 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Taunton Office
Address: 1 Taunton Green, Taunton MA 02780
Telephone: (508) 823-6346
Automated Telephone Line: (508) 676-7397
(Four Languages: English, Portuguese, Spanish, Khmer)
FAX: (508) 823-6348

Office Hours:
From November 1st Thru April 30th
Mon. – Thur. 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
First Saturday of the month 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Fridays are for emergencies only 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Off-Season Office Hours:
Mon. – Fri. 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.