Seasonal Fuel Assistance (Vermont LIHEAP)
Last updated August 2026
Seasonal Fuel Assistance is Vermont's LIHEAP program. It pays part of your winter home heating bills. It helps whether you own your home or rent, and whether you pay for heat directly or as part of your rent. The goal is to keep your home warm through the cold months.
The income line is the main test. You may qualify if your gross household income is at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level, based on your household size. Gross income is your pay before taxes come out. Both homeowners and renters can qualify.
Not everyone in your home counts. Some people, like a caretaker or a roomer, may not be part of your fuel household. Their income is not counted when the state decides if you qualify, but you still list them on the application form.
How the money is paid depends on your home. The benefit pays a portion of your heating bills, and how it is paid depends on your main fuel type and whether you pay directly or through your rent. The state pays the benefit to eligible applicants.
Fuel help also opens the door to free weatherization. Once you are an active Seasonal Fuel Assistance household, you also make yourself eligible for free weatherization services, which fix your home so it wastes less heat. That means help this winter and lower bills later.
Applying is straightforward. If you got Fuel Assistance last season, watch for the annual review form instead of a new application. If you did not, apply online through the myBenefits portal, in person at your district office, or by calling 1-800-479-6151 to ask for a paper application. If a shut-off is near, dial 2-1-1 for other local help too.
Phone 1-800-479-6151
Help available in English and Spanish.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- You may qualify if your gross household income is at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level, based on household size
- Homeowners and renters both qualify; people in your home who are not part of your fuel household, like a roomer or caretaker, are listed but their income is not counted
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply online through myBenefits, in person at a district office, or call 1-800-479-6151 for a paper form.
- 2
Check the income line: gross income at or below 185 percent of poverty for your household size.
- 3
List everyone in your home, even a roomer or caretaker whose income does not count.
- 4
If you got help last season, watch for the annual review form instead of a new application.
- 5
Ask about free weatherization once your fuel case is active.
What to have ready
- Proof of income for your fuel household
- A recent heating bill or account information
- Proof of where you live. Your district office confirms the exact list.
What the application looks like
Common questions
Who qualifies for Seasonal Fuel Assistance?
Households with gross income at or below 185 percent of poverty for their size. Both homeowners and renters can qualify.
Does it help renters?
Yes. It helps whether you own or rent, and whether you pay for heat directly or as part of your rent.
Do I have to reapply every year?
If you got help last season, watch for the annual review form. If you did not, apply online, in person, or by paper form.
Does fuel help lead to anything else?
Yes. Being an active Seasonal Fuel Assistance household also makes you eligible for free weatherization services.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
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