If you have a shut-off notice:

1.  Apply for fuel assistance immediately (see below).  By doing so you can usually get the shut-off notice postponed.

2.  Set up a payment plan or apply for RAFT for up to $2,500 in overdue utilities.

The Fuel Assistance Program provides financial assistance to low-income residents who either rent or own. The assistance is paid directly to the energy provider, such as the oil, gas or electric company. In our area, Community TeamWork in Lowell distributes the federal fuel assistance payments.

To apply by phone, call (978)-459-6161 Mon-Thurs (8:30 AM -5:00 PM), Fri (9:30 AM -5:00 PM)

Individuals can now apply online for fuel assistance!

• Individuals who are able to apply on their own can apply online, create an account, upload documents, and sign the application.
• At the end of the form, the applicant will be able to make the [required] follow-up phone appointment with Community Teamwork staff.
• CTI staff will call the client on the day/time of the appointment to review their application

To apply for fuel assistance, please go to https://toapply.org/CTI [Community Teamwork of Lowell]

You will need to have the following documents in order to apply:

• Photo ID for all household members 18 and older (MA License, Passport, etc.)
• Birth Certificate for all under age 18
• Social Security Cards for all members of your household
• If you rent, provide the name, address, and telephone number of your landlord, and a current copy of your lease or a letter from your landlord. If your rent is subsidized, please submit your housing addendum or tenant profile
• If you own your home, please submit your mortgage, if any, property tax bill, annual home insurance and condo or lot fees if applicable
• A current gas and electric bill with your name , address and account number
• A recent heating bill with your name and account number
• Proof of income (if any) for all household members

If you have a shut off notice, you can go to the Lowell office for quicker assistance.  Community Teamwork Inc, 45 Kirk Street, 2nd floor, Lowell.  Please bring the above documents.  Mon-Thurs (8:30 AM - 5:00 PM), Fri (9:30 AM - 5:00 PM) Phone: (978)-459-6161

Clarification on “Social Security Number” Policies

1. Assistance is pro-rated based on the number of people in the family who have Social Security Numbers (SSNs).
2. Households with NO family members with SSNs are encouraged to apply anyway and will be considered for (but not guaranteed)f any assistance that the Community Teamwork agency has available at that time.

RAFT - state rent and utility assistance

Salvation Army 

WATCH Tenant Assistance Fund- For Waltham Residents:

WATCH can pay up to $300 if you have a shut off notice and have applied for fuel assistance but can not get RAFT because you have already received the max amount of $10,000/year.

WATCH has a limited Tenant Assistance Fund for Waltham tenants facing eviction, homelessness, or heat shut off under specific circumstances. All referrals come through our Housing Clinic case management program. If you are in need please fill out an intake form or talk to your WATCH case manager to see if you would be eligible for assistance.

To apply:

Current client- contact your WATCH case manager (Daisy, Sarah, Jessica, Carlos, Daria or Genoveva) OR fill out this form

New Client - fill out a new client intake form 

Brookline Care Center

Address: 41 Garrison Road, Brookline, MA 02445
Website: www.brooklinecenter.org/services/housing-basic-needs/care-connections-efa/
Phone: (857) 707-3525
Open: Monday - Thursday 8:30 AM -8:00 PM and Friday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Eligibility: Brookline residents, including those who are currently homeless, are eligible for all services. Newton, Waltham, and Watertown residents are eligible for services that help avoid eviction and homelessness. We can also help people in neighboring communities’ access alternate resources.

Jewish Family & Children Services (JF&CS)

Address: 1430 Main St, Waltham, MA 02451
Website: https://www.jfcsboston.org/Our-Services/Community-Services/Basic-Needs
Phone: (781)-647-JFCS (5327)
Open: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Eligibility: Financial assistance is available primarily for housing costs, moving expenses, fuel, and utilities. Income eligibility and other criteria apply.

Please make payment plans only if you are certain you can comply with the agreement.  Do not sign a contract or verbally agree to a contract you do not fully understand.  

Eversource Programs

Shut Offs - Gas and Electricity

The Department of Public Utilities (DPU)

The DPU prohibits utility companies from shutting off service from November 15 to March 15, if anyone in the home:

• Is under 12 months or older than 65,
• Has a serious or chronic illness like diabetes, ADHD, asthma, or
• Cannot afford to pay for heat for the winter months (November-March, and sometimes to April).

Please contact your utility company for more information.

Internet and Phone

Comcast/Xfinity 

Internet Essentials - This plan gives you $9.95 internet connection. Call to see if you qualify.

Phone: 1-855-8-INTERNET(46837638)

Comcast offers two plans for people that are over 60 days late in paying their bill. The New Start and The Matching Program, both forgive some portion of debt but the key is not skipping any month. Otherwise individuals are out of the program and they can't apply again. It also avoids disconnection for lack of payment.

Lifeline

Lifeline is a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone and internet. Eligible customers will get up to $9.25 toward their bill. You can only use Lifeline for either phone or internet, but not both. To get Lifeline, find a company near you.

If you receive Food Stamps or Mass Health, you may be eligible to receive a free cell phone with a certain number of free monthly minutes. You can apply online at www.safelinkwireless.com or  www.assurancewireless.com.

USAC Affordable Connectivity Program

Families with a student in Waltham public schools are eligible through CEP. There are also other ways to qualify. The program can provide a discount if individuals already have a provider or some providers offer free internet through modem or hotspots.

Enrollment ended Feb 7th, 2024 for new customers.

**NOTE: This program ended on June 1, 2024, due to a lack of additional funding from Congress.**

Get Internet

If a client is in need of internet services or their current plan is too expensive, they can now enroll in the FCC's low-cost/free internet plan by applying online at: https://www.whitehouse.gov/getinternet/
or by calling (877)-384-2575 for a printed application that they can have mailed in.

**NOTE: SITE NOT FOUND**