The federally funded Low-Income Home Energy Program (LIHEAP), also known as the Fuel Assistance Program (FAP), is designed to help eligible households with their heating bills during the cold winter months. Your benefits are determined by factors such as the size of your household, your income, energy costs, and housing type—ensuring that those with the greatest needs, especially households with the lowest incomes and highest energy expenses, can receive the most support. We’re here to help you stay warm and safe through the winter season.
The FAP program pays fuel vendors directly by sending them your entire benefit amount within 45 days of enrollment. You can then work directly with your vendor to get your deliveries paid within the program guidelines.
When it comes to keeping your home warm, it’s important to act early. The Fuel Assistance Program runs from December 1 to April 30, and applications are accepted starting July 1 for certain groups: those aged 60 or over, individuals with a documented disability, households with a child under age 6, and those who use wood as their primary heating source. Beginning September 1, applications open for all households, regardless of heating type, including oil, kerosene, propane, electric, and natural gas. Applying early can help ensure you receive the support you need to stay warm during the cold months.
The following is a list of companies that participate in the program:
Complete the required forms, then meet with us in-person or by phone to apply for ELECTRIC assistance only.
Print and complete your application and send it back within 10 days. If you need an application mailed to you, email [email protected].
To be considered for the Fuel Assistance Program or the New Hampshire Electric Assistance Program, we encourage you to apply—because help is available, and no one should face these challenges alone. You can apply for one or both programs at the same time, and we’re here to support you through the process. Applications can be submitted through our Client Services Office in Dover by appointment or by mail. We gently remind everyone in need that applying is worth it, even if you’re unsure whether you qualify.
Please keep in mind that processing applications can take up to 60 days, so we encourage you to apply early. Doing so ensures that you receive the assistance you need when it matters most. Our goal is to help lighten your load during difficult times—because everyone deserves support and comfort when facing rising costs.
Below is a list of forms and documentation that may be needed to complete your application. We want to make sure you have everything you need, so please be aware that incomplete applications cannot be processed and may be denied. If your application is denied, don’t hesitate to reach out to our office—we’ll gladly guide you on how to reapply and ensure you get the support you deserve. We’re here to help you through every step of this process.
Please note: To help us process your application smoothly, kindly bring all the required documents with you to your appointment. If you’d like us to assist by contacting any vendors on your behalf, please complete the Release of Information form below and bring it with you. Thank you for your cooperation.
Documentation of Income
Gross wages for all household members for the last 30 days prior to your application date.
Examples of required income: employment; pensions; retirement; civil service; unemployment; workers’ compensation; bank interest and dividends; self-employment; annuities; alimony; any income received by the Social Security Administration etc.
Proof of State and City Assistance
If you have received assistance, either from your local town welfare agency or the Department of Health and Human Services (Food Stamps, TANF, APTD, OAA, FAP, NHEP etc.) you will need a copy of the most recent decision letter.
Proof of Child Support Paid Out and Received
A child support form must be completed for households where only one biological parent resides. If you pay child support, provide proof of receipts within the application income period.
No or Low Income Form
Anyone 18 years or older with no or low income, who is not in high school, must complete a No/Low Income Form. Assistance Form may be requested if help is received outside of the home.
Proof of Self-Employment
Any household member that is self-employed is required to provide a copy of their SIGNED current tax return along with the Schedule C and all supporting schedules.
Proof of Residency
Renters with heat included are required to have a Landlord/Tenant Verification form completed by the landlord. Homeowners must provide proof of a mortgage statement or property tax bill.
Social Security Cards and Dates of Birth
We will need social security cards and Dates of Birth for all household members on your application.
Fuel Vendor/Account Number
Vendor must be established before your application date. Please also include your most recent fuel bill from the vendor.
Electric Bill
Most recent electric bill (Eversource or NH Electric Co-op)
***Please keep in mind that not all circumstances can be addressed, and that additional paperwork may be requested during the application process.
Feel free to contact our office to discuss any unusual circumstances so we can best assist you. Our number is (603) 435-2500 x 4001.
What if I don’t think I qualify for assistance? Should I still apply?
We strongly encourage you to apply if your income appears to be close to the eligibility guidelines and allow us to determine your eligibility.
There are several reasons why applying may still be beneficial:
Do I need to reapply for Fuel Assistance?
If you have not applied for program year 26/27 you do need to reapply every year. If you have already applied this season, your application has been received and will be processed in the order it was received. Reapplying will not help your application move through processing faster and may delay processing your application.
Can I still apply if I missed the fuel assistance deadline?
Unfortunately, you may not apply after April 30. Applications for Fuel Assistance must be submitted by April 30 each year.
Can I check the status of my application?
We understand the desire to check on your application, but these calls further slow the processing. Thank you for your patience as we process applications in the order they were submitted.
When will I hear back about my application?
Applications can take up to 60 days to process. After your application is certified you will either receive an Enrollment Letter or a Denial Letter.
How will I know if my application is missing something?
If there are questions about your application or any documentation needed, you will be contacted by FAP staff via the email, mailing address, and/or phone number you provided.
I got a denial letter. What do I do now?
If you were denied due to being over income, you may reapply if your income or household changes. If you were denied for insufficient documentation, you may submit the documents within 30 days, and we can redetermine your eligibility. If you wait longer than 30 days, you will need to restart the application process
Will CAPSC pay my heating bill?
Once approved, the fuel vendor you assigned will receive your entire benefit amount to pay your heating bills during the fuel season. Once you have exhausted your benefit amount, you are responsible for paying your bill.
If I order a fuel delivery now, will the Fuel Assistance Program pay for it?
For deliverable fuels, payments for services rendered before October 1 are generally not allowable, except for wood deliveries, which may be authorized after July 1.
What if I have run out of fuel and have no heat?
During the fuel season (December 1, 2026 through April 30, 2027), if you are without heat or expect to be without heat within the next week due to running out of fuel, please contact us by phone. We understand that being without heat is an emergency, and we will do our best to prioritize households with the most urgent needs. Please note that providing accurate information helps us distribute assistance fairly and efficiently to those who are truly in need.
Can I get help with electric bills if I don’t qualify for the fuel program
Yes, please complete an application for Electric Assistance.
What if CAPSC cannot help me?
If our programs are unable to assist you, we will refer you to other resources that may be a better fit for your situation. These may include Town or State Welfare programs, churches, or other community agencies that may be able to help meet your needs.