How to get help

LIHEAP grants are available to low-income families who are at or below 60 percent of the Rhode Island median income. A family of two can earn up to $31,900 and still be eligible for heating assistance; a family of four can earn up to $46,978. The grants are paid directly to the recipients’ energy vender, such as an oil dealer or a utility company.

To apply for heating assistance, contact your local Community Action Program (CAP) agency:

• East Bay Community Action Program, 401-437-5102. Districts: Bristol, East Providence, Jamestown, Little Compton, Barrington, Newport, Portsmouth, Tiverton, Warren, Middletown.

• South County Community Action, 401-789-3016, 800-432-2605. Districts: Hopkinton, Narragansett, North Kingstown, Westerly, Exeter, South Kingstown, West Greenwich, Charlestown, New Shoreham, Richmond.

• West Bay Community Action Partnership, 401-732-4660. Districts: Warwick, Coventry, West Warwick, East Greenwich.

• Tri-Town Community Action, 401-351-2750. Districts: Smithfield, Burrillville, Glocester, Chepachet, North Providence, Johnston.

• Blackstone Valley Community Action, 401-723-0227. Districts: Woonsocket, North Smithfield, Pawtucket, Lincoln, Cumberland, Central Falls.

• Providence Community Action (ProCAP), 401-273-0882; LIHEAP (Elderly): 401-273-2000. Districts: Providence.

• Comprehensive Community Action (CCAP), 401-467-7013. Districts: Cranston, Scituate, Foster.

Those not eligible for federal heating assistance may be able to get help from the Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund.

The fund’s mission is to provide assistance to Rhode Islanders in temporary financial crisis who are not income eligible for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Financial crisis includes the inability to pay for heating oil, propane, electric or natural gas.

The maximum grant is $400, which can be distributed to more than one utility. Grants are given only one time per family per heating season and a recipient cannot receive assistance from both the fund and LIHEAP.

Contact The Salvation Army, the administrator of the Good Neighbor Energy Fund, at 386 Broad St., Providence, 401-831-1119, and ask for Sandra Guzman.