Provides:
    Fuel Assistance Program
    Electric Assistance Program
    Weatherization Program

The Fuel Assistance Program provides low-income households with assistance for heating their homes in the winter months. The program has specific qualifications that each household must meet. The extent of the fuel assistance benefit is based on the needs of each household, and is determined according to program guidelines.
Eligibility Requirements

    Ages Served: All
    Income Guidelines: Up to 200% FPG, higher guidelines if funding allows
    Geographic Area: Belknap/Merrimack Counties
    Other Requirements: Must be responsible for paying heating costs at residence. Renters with heat included (non-subsidized) are also eligible for payment of a portion of monthly rent.
    Income Guidelines: INCREASE THIS YEAR: Income limits are at 60% of the State Median Income.

The Electrical Assistance Program provides income-eligible households with a discount on their electrical bill. Discounts are effective for one year after enrollment and can range from 8%-76%. An adult member of the household must recertify the account each year in order to remain eligible for assistance. Seniors age 65+ and on fixed income can be certified for 2 years at a time. Households may be qualified for both the Electrical and Fuel Assistance Programs at the same appointment.
Eligibility Requirements

    Ages Served: All
    Income Guidelines: Up to 60% of the State Median Income
    Geographic Area: Belknap/Merrimack Counties
    Program Cost: None
    Other Requirements: Must have an account in the name of an adult member of the household

    Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), Home Energy Assistance (HEA), Building Weatherization Program (BWP)

This three-part program is designed to assist low-income households by improving the safety and comfort of the home, while also focusing on energy reduction, reducing household energy costs. The Agency will conduct a comprehensive Energy Audit to determine cost effective ways of reducing energy waste, as well as a follow-up inspection once the work has been completed.

Clients can apply for these programs using the Fuel Assistance and Electric Assistance applications. Priority is extended to elderly, disabled, families with children under 6 years old and/or households with high energy burdens. Services are funded with a combination of both federally and locally funded program resources.
Eligibility Requirements

    Ages Served: All
    Geographic Area: Merrimack and Belknap Counties
    Eligibility is determined by income verification with enrollment in the Fuel or Electric Assistance Benefits program
    Homeowners (both stick-built and manufactured homes) and renters (with landlord permission) are eligible
    Homes previously weatherized through the WAP program after September 1994 are not eligible
    Homes previously weatherized through the HEA program may be revisited pending utility approval
    Structural issues, actively leaking roof, standing water in the basement, failing plumbing or electrical systems, or other related safety concerns may result in deferral of services until the concerns have been addressed by the homeowner or landlord

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance program is called LIHEAP. They assist low income people and families with their heating and cooling bills. This program is therefore, a year long program that is available 12 months a year. To qualify for the LIHEAP assistance, you need to qualify. We provide the current Federal Poverty Rates nationwide below.

You are automatically qualified for LIHEAP assistance if you participate in the SNAP food stamps program, TANF Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or the SSI program through Social Security.

Federal Poverty Guidelines for 2024

Persons In Family	Earnings (100% Fed Poverty Guideline)
1	$15,060
2	$20,440
3	$25,820
4	$31,200
5	$36,580
6	$41,960
7	$47,340
8	$52,720

*Alaska and Hawaii have different rates for HUD federal poverty guidelines.
These numbers above represent 100% of the Federal Poverty Rate. In order to get legal aid from some offices, they use a sliding fee scale. When they use a sliding fee scale, the 100% rate can be different than 100%. In those cases, using for example a 200% federal poverty level, you will only need double the 100% number listed above to 200%.

User questions & answers

Have you used the CAP Belknap - Merrimack Counties Energy Assistance Concord service before? If so, please help our website users by answer these questions below.