State Energy and Food Support 2008
www.wmeco.comOne number. Lots of help. JUST ASK. Fuel Assistance. Utility Discounts. Weatherization. Please call 1-866-537-7267 or visit www.energybucks.com.
WMECO’s NUStart Program
WMECO offers NUStart, an arrearage forgiveness program which helps customers who qualify for and receive Fuel Assistance to pay off their account balance (at least $100 which is at least 60 days overdue). For more information, please call NUStart toll-free at 1-800-286-5844 weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Citizens Energy Corporation
Citizens Energy offers an Oil Heat Program to help income-eligible customers in need of oil, and the Distirgas program provides a credit on natural gas bills. For more information, please call Citizens Energy at 1-877-563-4645 or visit www.citizensenergy.com.
Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund
For customers with a household income exceeding Fuel Assistance guidelines, the Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund provides $275 per heating season paid directly to your energy provider (i.e. electric, gas, oil, wood, propane). Customers qualify for funding if their income falls between 200 – 275% of the Federal Poverty Level. Please contact your local Salvation Army office or call 1-800-262-1320 or visit www.magoodneighbor.org for more information.
MassSAVE
WMECO partners with MassSAVE to help you save money and energy. To request a Home Energy Audit please call 1-800-666-3303. Please visit www.masssave.com for additional information.
Home Energy Loss Prevention Service (HELPS) for Municipal Utilities
Customers of participating electric and gas municipal utilities may call the toll-free hotline with any questions concerning energy conservation in their home. Customers of these utilities may request an in-home energy audit.
1-888-333-7525 or 1-888-335-7203 or visit www.munihelps.org
Lifeline and Link-Up: Affordable Telephone Service for Income-Eligible Consumers
Please visit http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/lllu.html or call 1-888-225-5322 or 1-888-835-5322 TTY
Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC) 1-800-942-1007
Provides food packages, food vouchers, nutrition counseling, and budgeting/shopping skill training to eligible women and their children up to 5 years old (eligible fathers, grandparents, legal guardians and foster parents can apply for children under 5 in their care). www.choosebirth.com
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program “SNAP” (formerly Food Stamps)
Individuals looking for more information are encouraged to call Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333 or TTY 1-800-377-1292 or visit www.gettingfoodstamps.org
Basic Banking for Massachusetts
Launched in 1994 to expand access to bank products and services and to encourage those with modest incomes to establish banking relationships. www.masscommunityandbanking.org/Guidelines.htm
Mass 2-1-1
Mass 2-1-1 is an abbreviated dialing code for free access to health and human services Information and Referral which encourages prevention and fosters self sufficiency. Please call to get connected to the help you need. www.mass211.org
MassMutual LifeBridgeSM 1-800-272-2216
MassMutual pays the premiums for all policies issued under the Lifebridge Free Life Insurance Program. To find out if you qualify please contact www.massmutual.com/mmfg/about/community_involvement/national/lifebridge.html
Homeowner Options for Massachusetts Elders (H.O.M.E.) 1-800-553-5337
A non-profit agency whose mission is: To conserve and protect the equity of low/moderate income elder homeowners so they can ‘age in place.’ www.elderhomeowners.org
Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT)
Provides short term, limited financial assistance which will enable families to retain housing, obtain new housing or otherwise avoid homelessness.
www.mass.gov/Ehed/docs/dhcd/ph/raft/raftcitytownlist.htm
Health Services
Toll Free 1-877-414-4447, TTY 1-617-624-5992
http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eohhs2homepage&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Eeohhs2