Getting started.
Who this helps
Households must qualify for HEAP based on income and household size. A household may qualify for ECIP when a heating crisis threatens someone’s health or safety and the household cannot afford to prevent it.
How to get started
After your household is certified eligible, crisis benefits are provided within 48 hours if funds are available. Benefits for a life-threatening crisis are provided within 18 hours.
Apply for HEAP.
Use the HEAP Online Application on MaineHousing’s website. For a phone or in-person application, find your local Community Action Agency using the agency finder on the HEAP page and call to set an appointment.
Gather your documents.
Prepare household names, birth dates, Social Security numbers, proof of citizenship, income records, recent full energy and utility bills, and the type of fuel used to heat your home.
Ask about ECIP eligibility.
After starting your HEAP application, contact your local Community Action Agency to ask whether you qualify for ECIP.
How they can help.
MaineHousing administers ECIP through local Community Action Agencies. Help depends on available funds.
- Emergency home energy deliveries after existing HEAP benefits are used
- Fuel delivery charges
- Heating system repairs and restart fees
- Space heaters
- Surcharges, reconnection charges, or penalties tied to a final utility shutoff notice for the heating system
- Temporary relocation for a life-threatening crisis that other ECIP measures cannot avert within 18 hours
A few questions before you go.
Have household members’ names, birth dates, Social Security numbers, and proof of citizenship ready. Also gather income records, recent full energy and utility bills, and the type of fuel used to heat your home.
- Is my fuel supply low enough for crisis help?
- Could ECIP help with my heating system or a utility crisis?
- Which documents will I need for a HEAP application?
- How soon might ECIP help be provided after approval?