Penquis

Article Title: Heating Assistance (Home Energy Assistance Program HEAP)

Article Content

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

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: 207596-0361

You can also schedule your appointment online.

What is my eligibility based on?

  • Dwelling Type
  • Fuel Type (electricity, heating oil, kerosene, propane, natural gas, wood)
  • Poverty Level (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 (60 and older, 72 month and younger and disabled) that pay for they heat, which takes us to the end of the year. HEAP applications are scheduled by appointment (phone or in person) from the end of July through the last working day of May. To determine eligibility, please review the income guidelines for eligibility.

To apply for HEAP benefits, you need the following documents:

  • Unexpired photo ID for primary applicant only (driver’s license, state ID, etc)
  • Social Security Cards and dates of birth for all household members (or SSN verification document)
  • Citizenship/Legal Status Verification: U.S. Birth Certificate, Unexpired Passport, Unexpired Maine Real ID
  • Fuel Vendor name and account number
  • Most recent electric bill (Note: 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
    • Wages, unemployment, worker compensation, etc – 28 days prior to the date of application
    • SS/SSD, SSI, Pension, etc – monthly statement or award letter
    • Self-employment – Tax Return (from the past year) or Self-employment Worksheet for one year prior to date of application if no tax return.

Examples of Acceptable Documents

Income Guidelines