Energy assistance through the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) helps low income households pay their primary heat source bills. Energy payments are determined by family size and gross income, and by whether a household is classified as vulnerable. Vulnerable households have a member who is under age 6, who is age 60+, or who is any age and disabled.

INCOME GUIDELINES:
Household with income at or below 60% of the State Median Income. A vulnerable household as defined above may qualify for a higher basic benefit.

BASIC BENEFIT (for all primary heat source households):
From $295-595, depending on income, or $345-645, if there is a vulnerable person as defined above in the household.

CRISIS BENEFIT (for deliverable fuel heated households):
Available for eligible households that heat with a deliverable fuels (such as oil, wood, wood pellets, propane, kerosene, or coal) have exhausted their Basic Benefits and are still at imminent risk of losing heat. These households can qualify for a Crisis Assistance benefit of $425 if they cannot secure their primary heat source and meet the eligibility requirements for energy assistance. During the program year, all eligible households may receive up to three Crisis Assistance benefits.

RENTAL ASSISTANCE BENEFIT:
For households up to 60% of the state median income guidelines whose heat is included in their rent: $75-125, depending on income level.

ASSET LIMIT:
There is no Liquid Assets Test for the 2025-2026 CEAP program year.

PRIORITIZED SERVICE:
Deliverable fuel heated households who are either without heating fuel, or within one week of being without heating fuel at the time of application, will be eligible to receive prioritized services, including prompt eligibility processing. Households applying under these circumstances will receive a fuel delivery authorization within 18 hours after determination of eligibility.

APPLICATION:
State residents can apply for energy assistance in several ways:

1. Online: Through the CT.gov heating help website: www.ct.gov/heatinghelp/apply.

2. By Email or Mail: Submit a completed, signed application, with all required documents, to the local Community Action Agency (CAA). Unsigned applications will be returned as invalid.

3. In Person: At their local Community Action Agency (CAA) or intake site, with or without an appointment.

Important Points:

• Annual Application: Households must apply for energy assistance every year.

• Received Application Forms: If a household receives an application form in the from the Department of Social Services (DSS) by mail or downloads it, they must still complete the application process. They can do this by making an appointment and bringing the form to the application site, or by mailing or emailing the completed form to their local Community Action Agency (CAA).

• Homebound Individuals: have the option to apply by mail, telephone, or online.

• Reminder: Receiving an application in the mail does not mean that the household has applied; They must complete and submit the application.

2025-2026: TIMETABLE FOR HOUSEHOLDS THAT HEAT WITH OIL AND OTHER DELIVERABLE FUELS:
09/01/25: First day that households can begin to apply for CEAP.
11/03/25: First day for authorization of fuel deliveries (oil, wood and wood pellets, propane, kerosene, coal).
04/01/26: Deadline for deliverable fuel authorizations or deliveries from Basic Benefits or Crisis Assistance, for clients already awarded CEAP benefits.
05/29/26: Last day to apply for CEAP.
06/17/26: Last day for submission of deliverable fuel bills.

2025-2026: TIMETABLE FOR HOUSEHOLDS THAT HEAT WITH ELECTRICITY OR GAS:

​09/01/25: First day that households can begin to apply for CEAP.

05/29/26: Last day a household heated with gas or electricity can apply.