Are you behind on your utility bills (gas/electricity)?
Get discounts: apply directly with KeySpan and NStar for reduced rates. Gas–Call KeySpan
1800-233-5325 OR 617-469-2300 / Electricity–Call NStar 1800-592-2000 and provide
verification that you receive a public benefit (fuel assistance, food stamps, TAFDC, SSI, free
or reduced school lunch, WIC)
Are you eligible for Shut-off Protection?
Families can be protected from utility shut-off if there is financial hardship* AND:

*Someone in the home has a serious illness, OR
* There is a child under age 1 living in the home, OR
* The winter “moratorium” is in effect (November 15 to March 15—sometimes extended to
May 1) and the particular utility is necessary for heat.
* You have filed a financial hardship form (ask for a financial hardship form from customer
service if one did not come with your bill) OR you have provided verification that you get
a public benefit.
* If you have shut-off protection: Continue to pay for the utility even if you received shutoff
protection; bills will continue to pile-up and when you make a good faith effort to pay
even a small amount on a regular basis, you will be at lower risk for shut-off.
* Be aware: In some cases you can be evicted if you don’t keep the utilities on.

Are you eligible for Fuel Assistance? (Available through May 15 this year)
Go to: Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD)
178 Tremont Street, Boston MA (Downtown)
or call the number below to find a local fuel assistance office.
Telephone: 617-357-6000 Monday – Friday, 9a.m. - 5p.m.

Bring:
* Proof of income for EVERYONE in household, including disability and child support
payments.
* Identification: A social security number is NOT required, but if you DO have a social
security number you must provide it.
* Most recent primary heating bill.
* If heat is included in your rent: bring a copy of lease or statement from your landlord.
* If you pay for heat: bring a copy of lease or heat bill.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY!
Ask about Weatherization Programs that help reduce heating bills with home energy efficiency
programs, including: attic, heating duct, and wall insulation, as well as heating system
repairs, replacements, and tune-ups for many clients. Most of these programs are free of
charge and are worth thousands of dollars in home improvements that benefit tenants and
landlords.
*Financial Hardship means less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, for example if you have a family
of 3, you make no more than $34,340 a year.