BANGOR, Maine (PENQUIS) – While the federal government shutdown has caused stress and uncertainty for many, it’s important to know that the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is still on track. While an official date has yet to be set, benefits are expected to begin going out by the end of October or early November. Despite the shutdown, Penquis remains open and is continuing to hold all scheduled HEAP appointments.
Even as Maine enjoys the last warmth of fall, many are already planning for the cold months ahead, especially those worried about how to afford heat. For individuals and families facing financial hardship, the rising costs of basic needs like food, medication, and heating fuel can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, HEAP offers vital support to income-eligible households across Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Knox counties, helping with high winter heating bills—whether homes are heated with oil, kerosene, wood, pellets, coal, LP gas, or electricity.
HEAP appointments are now underway, Penquis is currently booking appointments for the end of January 2026, and will continue through May 29, 2026, or until funds are exhausted. Last season, Penquis processed over 11,600 applications—a slight dip from 13,000 the previous year—partly due to a state-promoted waitlist in March, when funds were expected to run out early. Still, all households that applied were served, and the program continues to be a vital resource for many as winter approaches. If you would like to do an online application, please go to MaineHousing.org, click on the Fuel Assistance box, fill out the HEAP application and then your HEAP application will be sent to the CAA that serves your area.
This season, HEAP has introduced a new one-time emergency fuel delivery option of up to $500 for eligible households who are facing an immediate heating crisis. To qualify, fuel levels must be critically low—at or below ¼ tank for oil or kerosene, 25% or less for propane, or a seven-day supply or less for wood, wood pellets, coal, or similar fuel types. For electric heat, applicants must have received a disconnect notice or Winter Warning. Since HEAP benefits for wood, wood pellets, and coal are direct checks this season, households may be required to show proof of purchase to access this emergency option. Additionally, average HEAP benefits are expected to be $50 to $70 higher this year, bringing the typical benefit to approximately $500, thanks to carryover funding from last season. This increase provides much-needed relief as households prepare for the cold months ahead.
A reminder of the HEAP application process: The first applications are dedicated to “Priority Households” which includes a household member that pays for their heat but is also 60 years old and older, 72 months or younger, or someone who is disabled. Penquis appointments have been set up for anyone who applied in 2025 as a “Priority Household” which already includes 6,700 households. It is important to know that not everyone can be served on the first day and it may take a few days for someone to return your call. In fact, Penquis is already booked into December at this time. Once priority households are complete, the focus will switch to households that pay for their heat but do not fall under the “priority Household” status. Renters who have their heat included in their rent are next along with people who have “Room/Board”, and then finally those subsidized with heat included to keep them eligible for the Farm Bill or food stamps.
As of now, there has been no word from the federal government regarding funding for the 2026 Heating Season. Maine usually receives about $41 million. An average HEAP benefit for the Penquis area last season was about $475, lower than the previous year. It is important to know HEAP is an assistance program and is not designed to pay for the entire heating cost. Maine was very lucky to receive supplemental funding from the federal and state governments during the COVID-19 pandemic, but now that pandemic is over funding availability will likely be different this year.
The 2026 Income Guidelines are as follows:
For one month’s income:
Family Size of 1: $3,070 Family of 2: $4,014, Family of 3: $4,959, Family of 4: $5,903, Family of 5: $6,848, Family of 6: $7,792, Family of 7: $7,969.
For yearly income:
Family Size of 1: $36,836, Family Size of 2: $48,170, Family Size of 3: $59,504, Family Size of 4: $70,839, Family Size of 5: 82,173, Family Size of 6: $93,507, Family Size 7: $95,632.
While funding for HEAP stems from federal sources, Penquis also helps people in need of emergency fuel assistance through the Good Neighbor Fund which relies on private donations. Your donation to the Good Neighbor Fund can be the difference between a freezing home and a warm, safe haven for a family in crisis. When no other resources are available, this fund steps in to provide emergency heating assistance to those who need it most—children, seniors, and individuals facing medical challenges. A gift of warmth is more than just fuel; it’s a lifeline that brings comfort, security, and peace of mind during the harshest months of the year. By giving, you’re not only protecting vulnerable neighbors from cold-related health risks but also restoring dignity and hope when it’s needed most. Every contribution, big or small, helps strengthen our community and reminds those in need that they are not alone. You can go online to Penquis.org, click the “donate” button at the top of the page, then “Heat a Home” or send a check to Penquis (262 Harlow St. Bangor, ME 04401) with the check made out to “Good Neighbor Fund.” Please consider making a donation today, because no one should have to face winter without heat.
If you think you qualify for the program and would like to set up a HEAP appointment or to check to see if you have an appointment already scheduled, please call the Penquis team at 973-3500. You may also make an appointment by visiting the Penquis or MaineHousing websites. To do an online HEAP application go to MaineHousing.org.
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