The enrollment period for the Home Energy Assistance Program is now open.

The Home Energy Assistance Program provides financial relief to eligible households to help them pay winter heating bills and is a free, statewide resource. The program pays a portion of the winter heating bill directly to the household’s heating company.

Homeowners and renters can apply online or through local administering agencies.

First time applicants need to participate in an intake appointment, which can be made through the online application or by contacting a local agency.

The assistance period runs from Nov. 1 to April 30.

Grants don’t have to be repaid, but households must meet specific eligibility requirements to qualify.

Eligibility is determined by several factors, including household size and the combined gross annual income of residents 18 and older. Households don’t need to be on public assistance or have unpaid heating bills to qualify.

Assistance can be received for all heating sources, including oil, electricity, natural gas, propane, kerosene, wood and coal.

“No resident should have to worry about heating their home during the winter,” said Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities Ed Augustus. “With high costs continuing to strain household finances, the Home Energy Assistance Program is more critical than ever.”