Fuel and Electric Assistance Program

Act now to reduce your heating and electric bills.

Heating and electricity costs have risen dramatically in recent years, and continue to do so. Community Action Partnership of Strafford County (CAPSC) is committed to supporting you and your loved ones in maintaining warmth. During the 2024-2025 winter season, more than $3 million was dedicated to helping households in Strafford County meet their fuel needs.

If you or a loved one are finding it difficult to cover heating and electric costs, please consider reaching out for help—even if you’re unsure about your eligibility. Support may be available to ease your burden during this challenging time.

Income Guidelines for the 2025-26 Fuel and Electric Assistance Programs

  • Household Size
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • Gross Annual Income
  • $47,604
  • $62,252
  • $76,900
  • $91,548
  • $106,195
  • $120,843

Did You Know?

  • You can apply for money-saving programs quickly and easily.
  • You can save up to 86% on your electric bills, year-round.
  • You can get discounted rates on heating fuel during the winter months.
$0,000.00

In 2024-2025, Strafford County families received an average benefit of $1,107.80.

Fuel Assistance

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.

What kind of assistance will I receive?

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 should I apply?

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.

Application and Program Timeline

Electric Bill Assistance

The New Hampshire Electric Assistance Program (EAP) is here to support eligible customers by offering significant discounts—up to 86%—on their monthly electric bills, based on your household income and size. This assistance aims to ease your energy costs, help you avoid late fees and deposits, and prevent service disconnections. We understand how important reliable electricity is, and while benefits are offered as funds allow, we’re here to help you access the support you deserve.

The following is a list of companies that participate in the program:

 
A logo for new hampshire electric coop.
A logo of eversource energy
A logo of united bank for the united states

3 Ways to Apply for Fuel & Electric Assistance

Fuel Assistance Update

If you have a fuel emergency and have less than a ¼ of a tank of fuel, less than 20% of propane, or a disconnect notice –
do NOT fill out an online application.
Call our office at (603) 435-2500

In-Person Appointment

Complete the required forms, then meet with us in-person or by phone to apply.

Print and Send

Print and complete your application and send it back within 10 days. If you need an application mailed to you, email capdoveroutreach@straffordcap.org.

Apply Online

Click the link below to apply online!

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, online, 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.

Forms and Required Documentation

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.

NOTE: Failure to bring all necessary documents with you to your appointment will delay your application process. If you need us to contact any vendors on your behalf please fill out the Release of Information form below and bring it with you to your appointment.

Download Release of Information Form

Click here for a printable PDF version of this list.

Gross wages for all household members for the last 30 days prior to your application date.

  • 5 pay stubs if paid weekly
  • 3 pay stubs if paid bi-weekly
  • 2 pay stubs if paid monthly

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.

Download Employment Release Form

Direct Expenses Form

Financial Support Verification Form

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.

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.

Download Child Support 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.

Download No/Low Income Form

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.

Download Self Employment Form

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.

Download Landlord/Tenant Verification Form

Download Change of Address Form

Download Rental Income Declaration Form

Child Residency Form

Download Household Removal Form

We will need social security cards and Dates of Birth for all household members on your application.

Download Self Declaration Form

Vendor must be established before your application date. Please also include your most recent fuel bill from the vendor.

Download Change of Vendor Form

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.

Ready to Apply?

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Yes, please complete an application for Electric Assistance.

Unfortunately, you may not apply after April 30. Applications for Fuel Assistance must be submitted by April 30 each year.

Yes! Even if you don’t think you will qualify, we encourage you to apply.

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.

If you were denied due to being over income, you may reapply if your income 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.