Connecticut energy assistance
In Connecticut, a household of 4 qualifies for CEAP with gross income up to $93,681 a year (2026–27 programme, Connecticut Department of Social Services).
- Programme
- Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)
- Run by
- Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS), with local Community Action Agencies
- Programme year
- 2026–27: October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027; applications September 1, 2026 to May 31, 2027
- Also called
- CEAP, CT LIHEAP, Connecticut energy assistance, Heating Help, Winter Protection Program
Connecticut income limits, 2026–27
Maximum household gross income by household size: 60% of Connecticut state median income.
| Household size | Year |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $48,714 |
| 2 people | $63,703 |
| 3 people | $78,692 |
| 4 people | $93,681 |
| 5 people | $108,669 |
| 6 people | $123,658 |
| 7 people | $126,469 |
| 8 people | $129,279 |
Income is usually shown with the last 30 days of pay, or four consecutive weeks within the last three months, and annualized; a household can ask to be assessed on the last 52 weeks instead. Households receiving SNAP, TANF/TFA, SSI, State Supplement, means-tested veterans' benefits or Refugee Cash Assistance are categorically eligible, but still have to apply and send proof of income.
Source: Connecticut LIHEAP Block Grant Allocation Plan, FFY2027 (approved August 12, 2026), section IV, page 5 (our copy, PDF).
How much you can get
The Basic Benefit for 2026–27 is $355 to $705, set by income, household size and whether the household is vulnerable, and paid to the utility or fuel dealer. It covers heating costs from November 2, 2026 to May 31, 2027. Households whose heat is included in the rent get a Rental Assistance Benefit of $90 to $140 instead, paid to them directly. DSS may adjust these amounts if the final federal funding differs from its estimate.
Source: Connecticut LIHEAP Block Grant Allocation Plan, FFY2027, sections VIII and IX (our copy, PDF).
CEAP Basic Benefit, FFY2027, for households that pay their heating bill directly (deliverable fuel or utility). Vulnerable means someone in the household is 60 or older, has a disability, or is under 6.
| Vulnerable household | Other households | |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1: income at or below 125% of the poverty level | $705 | $655 |
| Level 2: 126% to 200% of the poverty level | $555 | $505 |
| Level 3: 201% of the poverty level to 60% of state median income | $405 | $355 |
Source: Connecticut LIHEAP Block Grant Allocation Plan, FFY2027, section VIII, page 8 (our copy, PDF).
When to apply
Applications for the 2026–2027 season opened online and in person on September 1, 2026. The last day to apply is May 31, 2027; mailed applications must be postmarked by then. Community Action Agencies must send a written decision within 45 calendar days. Households heating with oil, kerosene or propane that run out, or are within a week of running out, are processed within 24 hours or the next business day.
Source: DSS Heating Help, CEAP page; FFY2027 Allocation Plan, section V (our copy, PDF).
Emergency and crisis help
Households heating with a deliverable fuel that have used up their Basic Benefit and are about to lose heat can get up to three Crisis Assistance benefits of $430 each. A fuel delivery is authorized within 48 hours, or 18 hours in a life-threatening situation, without re-checking income. Utility-heated CEAP households cannot get Crisis Assistance because state law (section 16-262c) protects them from winter disconnection; if service is cut off or threatened, the Community Action Agency works with the utility to restore or keep it.
Source: Connecticut LIHEAP Block Grant Allocation Plan, FFY2027, section XI (our copy, PDF).
How to apply
- Online. Apply through the CEAP client portal; online applications are signed digitally when you submit them. portal.ct.gov/heatinghelp/applyonline
- By phone. Call your local Community Action Agency and ask to apply over the phone. DSS's CEAP page lists every town's agency, address and phone number. portal.ct.gov/heatinghelp/connecticut-energy-assistance-program-ceap
- By email or mail. Fill in and sign the CEAP application (form W-1104) and send it with your documents to your Community Action Agency. Unsigned paper applications are returned. Download the form (PDF)
- In person. Call your Community Action Agency for an appointment and bring your documents.
Source: DSS Heating Help, CEAP page.
What to bring
- Your most recent heating bill and electric bill, or a lease showing utilities are included in the rent
- Pay stubs for the last 30 days, or four consecutive weeks in the last three months, for everyone who works (or a signed letter from the employer)
- For self-employment: the Self-Employment Worksheet and your latest IRS Form 1040 with all schedules
- Award letters or bank statements for other income, such as Social Security, alimony or child support; proof of SSI if anyone receives it
- A Zero Income Form if the household has had no income for at least four weeks
Source: CEAP application, form W-1104 (rev. 08/2026), Application Checklist (our copy, PDF).
Also worth knowing
Under the Winter Protection Program, gas and electric customers with a financial hardship designation cannot be shut off from November 1 to May 1. Customers receiving energy assistance qualify, as do those at or below 125% of the poverty level. Ask your utility or Community Action Agency for the designation.
CEAP households may also qualify for matching payment plans with their utility and for repair or replacement of heating equipment.
Source: DSS Heating Help, CEAP page.
Households heating with oil, kerosene or propane that apply after the deadline may still submit paid invoices for fuel bought between November 2 and April 1 for review.
Source: DSS Heating Help, CEAP page.
Official documents
Unchanged copies of Connecticut Department of Social Services’s documents, hosted here so they stay reachable. Each links to the original on the agency’s site.
- LIHEAP Block Grant Allocation Plan, FFY2027 (approved August 12, 2026) PDF · FFY2027
Income limits, Basic and Rental Assistance benefit tables, crisis rules and dates.
Original on the agency site - Energy Assistance Application, form W-1104 (rev. 08/2026) PDF · 2026–27
The paper application with the checklist of documents to send.
Original on the agency site
Not published yet, or not found
- A statewide CEAP phone number (DSS lists each Community Action Agency's number instead)
Figures checked against the official documents on November 1, 2026. Programmes can change amounts during the season when federal funding changes; the agency’s own page is the final word.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for energy assistance in CT for 2026–27?
60% of state median income: $48,714 a year for one person, $78,692 for three and $93,681 for a household of four (FFY2027 Allocation Plan, Connecticut DSS).
When is the CEAP deadline?
May 31, 2027. Applications opened September 1, 2026, and mailed applications must be postmarked by May 31.
How much is the CEAP benefit for 2026–27?
$355 to $705 for households that pay for heat directly, depending on income and whether someone in the household is 60 or older, disabled or under 6. Households with heat included in the rent get $90 to $140. Oil, kerosene and propane households can add up to three $430 crisis deliveries.
Can my heat be shut off in Connecticut in winter?
Not if you have a financial hardship designation on your gas or electric account: those customers are protected from shut-off from November 1 to May 1. Receiving energy assistance qualifies you.
How do I apply for energy assistance in CT?
Online through the CEAP portal, or through your local Community Action Agency by phone, email, mail or in person.