Heating Assistance (HEAP)

HEAP helps eligible households pay a portion of annual home heating costs through a one-time seasonal benefit sent directly to heating vendors.

Heating & Utilities Older Adult Services

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program that helps income-eligible homeowners and renters pay a portion of their annual heating expenses. Penquis serves Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Knox counties.

The program provides a one-time, per-season, direct payment to heat vendors for homes heated with oil, kerosene, wood, propane, natural gas, electricity, and other fuels.

HEAP appointment line

For the HEAP appointment line, please call 207-973-3500 or 1-800-215-4942. You can also try any of these local numbers:

Bangor: 207-973-3500
Dover: 207-564-7116
Lincoln: 207-794-3093
Rockland: 207-596-0361

What is my eligibility based on?

Dwelling type
Fuel type, including electricity, heating oil, kerosene, propane, natural gas, or wood
Poverty level, based on total gross income
Geographic area

When can I apply and what do I bring to my appointment?

Penquis has scheduled over 6,500 priority households, including households with someone age 60 or older, children 72 months or younger, or a person with a disability, that pay for their heat. This takes scheduling to the end of the year.

HEAP applications are scheduled by appointment, either by phone or in person, from the beginning of August through the last working day of May. To determine eligibility, please review the income guidelines.

Documents needed to apply for HEAP benefits

Unexpired photo ID for the primary applicant only, such as a driver’s license or state ID
Social Security cards and dates of birth for all household members, or a Social Security number verification document
Citizenship or legal status verification, such as a U.S. birth certificate, unexpired passport, or unexpired Maine Real ID
Fuel vendor name and account number
Most recent electric bill. The bill must be in a household member’s name to apply for any of the low-income assistance programs.
Proof of gross income for all household members
For wages, unemployment, workers’ compensation, or similar income: documentation from 28 days prior to the date of application
For Social Security, SSDI, or SSI: current benefit award letter
For pension income: current monthly statement or award letter
For self-employment: tax return from the past year, or a self-employment worksheet for one year prior to the date of application if there is no tax return