As the leaves fall, days shorten, and temperatures drop, many of us in Vermont are asking ourselves, “How long can I go before turning on my furnace, heater, or woodstove this heating season?”
The cost of fuel, combined with other basic living expenses, can make the beginning of heating season a particularly stressful time of year. Here are a few programs which can help offset the cost of staying warm this winter.
Seasonal Fuel Assistance: Fuel Assistance is an annual benefit that can help you pay for heating fuel. Whether you are billed directly from a fuel or electricity provider, pay cash for local wood or cans of kerosene, or pay a landlord for heat, you could be eligible.
While there is no application deadline and you can apply any time of year, applying before the end of November can help you get the most benefit.
You can use this short application to apply just for Fuel Assistance, or there is a longer online application if you’d like to apply for more than one program at once, such as Fuel Assistance, 3SquaresVT food benefits, and other programs administered by the Economic Services Division of the Department of Children and Families. The Vermont Foodbank’s 3SquaresVT team would be happy to help you with the application process (contact information below)!
And, if you qualify for Seasonal Fuel Assistance, you likely qualify for free weatherization improvements to your home through the Weatherization Assistance Program, which can help stretch your home heating budget and keep your home warmer and cozier this winter.
Green Mountain Power and Vermont Gas Energy Assistance Programs: Do you use Green Mountain Power (GMP) electricity or Vermont Gas? If so, you may be eligible for a 20-25% discount off your monthly bill year-round—which can be especially helpful if GMP or Vermont Gas is the main type of fuel to heat your home. You can receive both Fuel Assistance and Energy Assistance program benefits. The application for the GMP discount and the application for the Vermont Gas discount are only two pages each.
Have questions or want help applying to any of these programs? Our 3SquaresVT team would be happy to support as much as we’re able. Contact us by calling our helpline at 855-855-6151, texting VFBCHAT to 61222, or emailing 3svt@vtfoodbank.org.
Need more help? If you have already explored Fuel Assistance, ask your local community action agency about the Crisis Fuel program and other help with heating fuel. There are also a number of wood banks across Vermont that may be able to provide wood in emergency situations.
In Bennington and Rutland counties, BROC Community Action has developed programs to make it easier for neighbors to put together nourishing holiday meals. Turkey tickets, a Holiday Shop, and creative thinking are filling pantries this holiday season thanks to help from you.
All people deserve access to the basic human needs of food and shelter. We know the state of Vermont — our government and our people — can make the choice to shelter and feed everyone in Vermont.
Across the state, the Foodbank is sharing recipes and cooking demonstrations with visitors at fresh produce distributions. Together, we’re making sure more people in Vermont can bring home the fresh food they want and need, along with information on how to prepare and enjoy it.
