HARTFORD — Gov. Ned Lamont and the five other New England governors asked Congress on November 9 for another $3 billion in federal home energy assistance, citing rising costs for households that heat with delivered oil. Their letter asks congressional appropriations leaders to bring nationwide funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program to $7 billion this winter.
Connecticut households can apply now through the state’s existing energy assistance program. The Connecticut Department of Social Services lists basic benefits of $355 to $705 for the 2026–27 season, depending on household size, income and heating source. The state usually pays utilities or fuel vendors directly. Eligible households that heat with oil, kerosene or propane may qualify for additional deliveries.
Residents can apply at ct.gov/heatinghelp or work with the community action agency that serves their town. The state lists TVCCA in Norwich at 860-425-6563 and Access Community Action Agency in Willimantic at 860-450-7400 and Danielson at 860-412-1600. Applicants can use the state’s town lookup to confirm which agency covers their address. The application deadline is May 31, 2027.
The federal request follows Connecticut’s October 13 announcement of $12.7 million in state aid to supplement the existing program. The governors’ letter seeks a separate federal appropriation.