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Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) (LIHEAP) in Connecticut

Connecticut's Energy Assistance Program, called CEAP, helps pay winter heating bills, usually by paying your utility or fuel dealer directly.

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From the Connecticut Department of Social Services
An older woman in a warm cardigan turns up the thermostat in her hallway

For 2026–27 the basic benefit is $355 to $705, and homes with someone 60 or older get the higher amounts. Oil, propane and kerosene users who run low can get crisis deliveries, and gas and electric customers on CEAP are protected from winter shut-offs.

How to apply in Connecticut

In person
Go to your local community action agency. Call for an appointment, or walk in if they have room. The state's How to Apply page has a map and a table of the agencies with their phone numbers. You can also apply by phone through your agency.
By mail
Download the CEAP application, sign it, and mail or email it with your documents to your local community action agency. Unsigned applications are sent back.

Applying is free. Nobody should charge you to apply.

Apply on the official site

Who may qualify in Connecticut

Who may qualify for Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)
Yearly income limit, one person (2026–27 season)$48,714 a year for one person (60% of state median income)
Yearly income limit, two people (2026–27 season)$63,703 a year for two people
Other ways to qualifyYou may qualify if anyone in your home gets SNAP, TFA, SSI, qualifying means-tested veterans benefits, or other qualifying benefits from the Department of Social Services
If your income is Social SecurityBring your Social Security award letter or other proof of benefits. The state cannot check it for you.
Energy bills to bringYour most recent electric bill, plus your gas or electric heating bill, or the name of your oil, kerosene or propane dealer

Source: Connecticut Department of Social Services (source 2)

What you may get

What Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) pays
Basic heating benefit (2026–27 season)$355 to $705, based on income and household. Homes with someone 60 or older, a person with a disability, or a child under 6 get $405 to $705; other homes get $355 to $655.
Crisis help (2026–27 season)Up to three crisis benefits of $430 each for oil, propane or kerosene homes that have used up their basic benefit and are about to lose heat. A delivery is authorized within 48 hours, or 18 hours if a life is at risk.

Source: Connecticut Department of Social Services (source 5)

Dates, renewals and waiting lists

Dates and renewals
When to apply for winter 2026–27Applications opened Sept. 1, 2026, online and in person. The last day to apply is May 31, 2027; mailed applications must be postmarked by then.
Fuel delivery dates (2026–27)The program pays for deliveries from Nov. 2, 2026. The deadline for fuel authorizations is April 1, 2027.
Summer cooling helpNo regular cooling benefit. The 2027 plan lists cooling help only as a possible use of extra federal money.
Older adultsNo separate early sign-up. Homes with someone 60 or older get a higher benefit, and agencies help homebound people apply by phone, mail or a home visit.

Source: Connecticut Department of Social Services (source 1)

How Connecticut is different

Where Connecticut's rules differ from the federal rules for LIHEAP heating and cooling help.

  • Homes with someone 60 or older get a larger basic benefit than other homes with the same income
  • Gas and electric customers on CEAP are protected from winter shut-off under state law
  • Up to three $430 crisis deliveries a season for oil, propane and kerosene users

Source: Connecticut Department of Social Services (source 5)

Good to know

  • You must apply every year. Benefits usually go straight to your utility or fuel dealer.
  • Agencies run about 180 places to apply, including senior centers and town social services offices.
  • Once you're approved, your gas and electric companies mark your account as financial hardship, and electric customers are enrolled in a lower discount rate automatically.
  • You should get a decision notice within 45 days. If you don't, call your community action agency.
  • Weatherization is run separately by the state's energy department (DEEP), which uses your CEAP information to check whether you qualify.

Source: Connecticut Department of Social Services (source 1)

Free help

Free help with this in Connecticut

More help in Connecticut

Help with heating and cooling bills in another state

Sources

  1. Connecticut Department of Social Services, Connecticut Energy Assistance Program: How It Works (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
  2. Connecticut Department of Social Services, Connecticut Energy Assistance Program: Who Is Eligible (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
  3. Connecticut Department of Social Services, Connecticut Energy Assistance Program: How To Apply (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
  4. Connecticut Department of Social Services, Connecticut Energy Assistance Program: FAQs (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
  5. Connecticut Department of Social Services, Low-Income Energy Assistance Program Block Grant Allocation Plan, Federal Fiscal Year 2027 (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.

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