How to Get Help Paying your CT Heating Bill

With winter rapidly approaching, your Connecticut energy bills are going to increase. There are many energy-saving techniques that you can implement around the house to reduce the total cost of your bill. You can also switch to a lower cost energy supplier to further decrease your costs. But even with all of these smart efforts, you may find that it’s difficult to pay your winter heating bills this year. The good news is that you might be able to get help.

The State of Connecticut Department of Social Services has a winter heating assistance program that provides financial assistance to CT residents who need help paying their energy bills this winter. In fact, there are several different programs that Connecticut residents may apply to be a part of in order to reduce this winter’s home heating costs.

Programs offered through the state of Connecticut include:

• Connecticut Energy Assistance Program. Customers who qualify for this program are able to receive between $605 and $880 in winter heating assistance assuming that they pay for heat separately from their rent or mortgage costs. Renters who pay for heat as part of their rent costs can receive between $380 and $410 in winter heating assistance.


• Contingency Heating Assistance Program. This is a similar heating bill assistance program but it is designed to benefit households that may have an income to high to qualify them for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program. Customers who qualify for this program can receive up to $580 in winter heating bill assistance.


• Crisis Assistance. This is for people who qualify for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program but who exhaust those funds and need additional help paying their CT energy bills this winter. It’s a one-time benefit of up to $400 for people who qualify.


• Safety Net Services. This is yet another program from people who qualify for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program but who need additional help. It is for people who have used their crisis assistance benefits but are in a life-threatening situation related to their home heating and still need additional assistance.


• Weatherization Assistance Program. In addition to paying the costs of energy bills this winter, the State of Connecticut can help pay the costs to weatherize your home. (These costs can be as high as $6500!) Proper winterization of the home will naturally reduce your CT energy bills.

These programs are available to people on an as needed basis. Eligibility depends on a variety of factors including the household income and the ages of people living in the home. Both renters and homeowners are eligible to receive energy assistance. Check CT.gov for more information about applying.