Western Mass Electric Company provides a 35% discount to consumers who are also eligible for AFDC, EAEDC, Food Stamps, SSI, Medicaid, Fuel Assistance and/or some VA benefit programs. Call WMECO 499-0260 or toll free 1-800-286-2000 to request an application.
Berkshire Gas Company offers reduced rates to low-income customers who receive public assistance benefits and meet income limits. Eligible customers get a 20% to 40% discount on their gas rates. Utility companies enroll eligible customers automatically, or customers can apply directly. Call Berkshire Gas Company at toll free 1-800-292-5012 for details.
Link-Up America & Life Line Phone Discount are programs designed to make telephone service more affordable for Massachusetts residents with limited incomes. Who is eligible? Anyone who receives financial assistance from one or more of the following programs administered by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is eligible to apply to Link-Up and Life Line. The programs are: Transitional
Massachusetts Food Assistance Program is a form of government assistance to help low-income families and individuals in Massachusetts buy food. The program is designed to enable you to buy almost any food item in any supermarket where you usually shop for food. The Food Assistance Program is for people who buy food and make meals at home. Massachusetts families that use the program can spend the money they save to help pay their other bills. For more information, please call the Department of Transitional Assistance in your area. For Pittsfield, 236-2000; for North Adams, 663-1100. Toll free 1-800-645-8333.
Berkshire Community Action Council (BCAC) has a fuel assistance program that can help low income residents pay for their primary source of heat. This program helps to offset part of the cost of fuel and is available from November 1 through April 30. Renters whose heat is included in their rent may also be eligible to receive help. For income guidelines and to apply for fuel assistance, call BCAC, 663-3014 (North County); 445-5671 (Central County); or 528-1947 (South County).
Citizens Energy Oil Program (Joe 4Oil) allows people who need help heating their homes to purchase a one time delivery of up to 175 gallons of home heating home oil for half of the retail price per gallon. This program covers oil purchases only and does not apply to burner primes or services. This program is available December thru mid March. For income guidelines, call toll free (877) JOE-4-Oil or at 1-877-563-4645 or your local fuel assistance agency.
The Salvation Army in Pittsfield and North Adams offers help with winter fuel expenses through their Good Neighbor Fund. The Good Neighbor Energy Fund helps people in need pay for their winter heating fuel and other energy bills. The fund is for people who are facing a short-term financial crisis and do not qualify for other fuel assistance programs. It is a joint effort between the gas and electric utility companies and the Salvation Army. Money for the fund comes from the utility companies, donations from utility customers and businesses and other charitable donors. You can get help from the Good Neighbor Energy Fund if you are in financial need and do not qualify for government energy assistance programs. The fund most often helps families or individuals facing an unexpected short-term financial crisis. It is available from December 1 until funds run out. For income guidelines and to apply, call the Salvation Army in Pittsfield at 442-0624 or in North Adams at 663-7987.
Veterans' Services (VS) is a program that provides cash and medical assistance to low-income Massachusetts wartime veterans and their families who are in need of immediate help. You may be eligible for veterans' services if you are a veteran or a dependent of a veteran who served during wartime, have few resources and limited income and you need financial help. To determine eligibility, call the Veterans Services Officer in your area. For North County, call 662-3040. In South County,528-1580. For the Pittsfield area, call 499-9433.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a cash assistance program for people who are 65 or older and for people of any age who are disabled or blind, and who don't own much and have little income. SSI provides monthly cash payments that vary in amount depending on your personal situation. The maximum benefit for a single person age 65 or older, paying full living costs is about $733.00. The more income you have, the lower your SSI payment will be. For more information, you should call Social Security at toll free 1-800 -772-1213 or call or go to your local Social Security office. In Pittsfield, the office is located at 78 Center Street, Suite 101. The phone number is 499-2432. In North County, the office is located at 37 Main Street, North Adams. The phone number is 664-7951.
Just a reminder...
Massachusetts laws prevent utility companies from shutting off service to people in special situations. Senior households, low-income families with infants, people with serious illnesses who cannot afford to pay their utility bills, tenants whose landlords are responsible for utility bills and low-income people who would be without heat during the winter are eligible for shutoff protection.
This article and the tips are excerpted from the website Massresources.org.
Simone Gaunt is the Elder Services' Information & Referral/Intake Specialist
Feel free to call Elder Services' Information and Referral Department with any questions you may have about these or other resources for seniors 499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242.
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