FUEL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM IN NEWTON

The Department of Health and Human Services will begin taking appointments for the ABCD Fuel Assistance Program starting on October 5th, 2009. Please call (617) 796-1280 Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

The ABCD Fuel Assistance Program officially starts on November 2nd, 2009 through April 30th, 2010. This program provides financial assistance with heating bills and rent where heat is included to low income households.

Please note that applicants must bring the following required documentation to their appointment:

1.  Proof of income for everyone in your household who is 18 years or older
     for the past 30 days.  If someone is 18 years or older and is a full-time
     submit a letter from their school or college.

2. A Social Security number for everyone 18 years or older

3.  You need to provide identification for the person who is applying.
      Please submit only ONE of the following:
      Proof of TAFDC, SSA/SSI, Veteran’s Benefits, Pension/Annuity,
      MassHealth card, copy of your Social Security, birth certificate, a pay            
      stub with your Social Security number, a copy of your driver’s license or  
      State issued ID card, a copy of your Food Stamp card, or a copy of your
      U.S Military card.

4.  Current (most recent) copy of your lease or paid rent receipt or for
      homeowners, your mortgage statement

5. Current (most recent) PRIMARY HEATING BILL (oil, gas, electric).

RENTERS/HEAT INCLUDED
If your heat is included in your rent, we need a statement from your landlord stating  that  heat is included in rent, the monthly rent amount, your address, and the name, address, telephone and signature of the landlord.

RENTERS WHO PAY FOR THEIR OWN HEATING BILL
You need to provide proof of home address by providing ONE of the following: Copy of current lease, or current gas, electric, telephone or cable bill or a recent Mass. Income Tax form, or by having your landlord complete the RENTER/ADDRESS VERIFICATION FORM.

HOMEOWNERS
Please submit a MORTGAGE STATEMENT or a note stating why you have not mortgage.  IF YOU HAVE TENANTS: please submit a note from tenants stating the rent amount and bring in your Property Tax, Property Insurance, Sewer bills, and the interest on your mortgage. (These are considered expenses to be deducted).

For further information please see our 2009 Resources Guide