Maine HEAP 2026: Income Limits, ECIP and How to Apply

Our LIHEAP income limits by state guide compares Maine's line with other states. Below is what's specific to Maine.

Maine HEAP Income Limits for 2026-27

Maine's 2026-27 limit is $6,101 a month for a household of four, based on gross household income. MaineHousing publishes monthly, three-month and annual figures, and the annual column matches ACF's FY2027 table at 60% of state median income.

Source: MaineHousing HEAP page (opens in a new tab), "2026 - 2027 Season," checked November 3, 2026; annual figures match ACF's FY2027 state median income table (opens in a new tab). For households over 10, MaineHousing says to contact your CAA. The limits apply to the federal fiscal year from October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027; the FY2028 table will set next season's line.

Rules that change who qualifies, per MaineHousing and the FY2027 plan:

• Medical costs can bring you under. If you're over the line, MaineHousing says you may be able to deduct part of what you paid for eligible medical expenses.
• SNAP and TANF count automatically. Household members listed on a Maine DHHS Notice of Decision for SNAP or TANF are income eligible, and the plan says their benefit is calculated at the highest poverty level allowed unless they choose to send actual income papers.
• Everyone sharing the home counts, except a roomer, regardless of whether they chip in.
• Income after your application date doesn't count. MaineHousing says only income before the date you applied is used.

Countable income includes wages, self-employment, odd jobs, unemployment, workers' compensation, Social Security, SSI, pensions, cash gifts, rental income, support payments, interest and VA benefits.

How Much Maine HEAP Pays: The Points System

Maine's accepted FY2027 plan lists a HEAP benefit range of $255 to $1,512. MaineHousing doesn't use a flat chart. Under its HEAP rule (Chapter 24), each household gets points, the points are adjusted for income, and the result is multiplied by a dollar value MaineHousing announces within 15 days of receiving the federal grant award.

The points, from the Chapter 24 rule posted with Maine's FY2026 benefit matrix:

Then the total is scaled by income:

Source: Maine HEAP Rule, Chapter 24, section 4, as posted by the LIHEAP Clearinghouse. Fractional points round up.

Grantsights didn't find a published FY2027 dollar value per point as of November 3, 2026, so the exact payment for each score isn't public yet. Benefits usually go to your fuel vendor as a credit, within 10 business days of certification or once grant money is available, whichever is later.

ECIP crisis help. The FY2027 plan sets the Energy Crisis Intervention Program maximum at $500, or the greater of $500 or 100 gallons of deliverable fuel plus delivery fees. It's one benefit per program year, except propane customers can make a second request within the same total. ECIP can also cover equipment repair when $500 resolves the crisis.

Season Dates and Deadlines for 2026-27

MaineHousing opened 2026-27 HEAP applications on August 3, 2026, and they stay open until May 29, 2027 or until funds are exhausted. The accepted FY2027 plan lists May 28, 2027 as the last intake day, so don't leave it to the final week.

The plan says agencies make a good-faith effort in the first 90 days to serve households with a direct energy cost that include an older adult, a person with a disability, or a child 6 or younger. Those households also earn extra points in the benefit formula.

How to Apply for HEAP in Maine

MaineHousing offers 3 ways to apply: online, by phone, or at an in-person appointment with your local agency. The online application runs through MaineHousing's portal, linked from its HEAP page (opens in a new tab), and you'll create an account, add household members, enter income and heating information, and upload documents.

Maine's 10 HEAP agencies, from MaineHousing's agency contacts list as of November 3, 2026:

After you apply online or by phone, MaineHousing says the agency will follow up about required documents by email or voicemail, so watch both.

Documents MaineHousing asks for:

• Names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers and proof of citizenship for everyone in the household
• Proof of gross household income, such as pay stubs, W-2s, a 1040, 1099s, unemployment records, award letters or a government eligibility letter
• Recent, complete copies of your energy and utility bills showing usage
• Your heating fuel type
• A Minimal/Zero Income Worksheet for any adult claiming no income, and the Self-Employment Worksheet if it applies

MaineHousing warns that an application will be denied if all requested documents aren't provided.

For example, a family of three in Bangor earning $2,500 a month ($30,000 a year) heats a stick-built house with oil and has a 4-year-old. That's about 110% of the 2026 poverty guideline for three ($27,320). Under the Chapter 24 points: 9 for the house, 5 for Penobscot County, 7 for oil and 5 for the young child make 26 points, and at 101% to 125% of poverty the family keeps 90%, or 24 points after rounding up. Specifically, the family's benefit is 24 times MaineHousing's FY2027 dollar value per point, inside the plan's $255 to $1,512 range. The same family heating with propane would score 3 more base points.

Winter Disconnection Rules in Maine

Maine's winter protection runs November 15 to April 15. The FY2027 plan quotes Title 35-A, section 718: during that period, a transmission and distribution utility can't disconnect a residential electric customer, or even send a notice naming a disconnection date, without prior permission from the Maine Public Utilities Commission's Consumer Assistance and Safety Division.

What the law requires, per the plan:

1. Any winter notice that mentions disconnection must say prominently that it can't happen without the division's advance permission.
2. The customer must be told about the utility's request and gets a chance to be heard.
3. A winter notice counts as a disconnection notice for emergency programs, including ECIP and municipal General Assistance.

The LIHEAP Clearinghouse, an ACF-funded resource, adds in its disconnection policy table (opens in a new tab) that Maine requires basic service to continue when a medical emergency requires it. It lists the Maine PUC consumer line at 800-452-4699.

Programs That Stack With Maine HEAP

Once you're HEAP eligible, MaineHousing says you may also qualify for 3 related programs, and the FY2027 plan lists a few more.

Sources: MaineHousing HEAP page and Maine's accepted FY2027 plan, sections 1.7 and 14.

CHIP has an asset test for full system replacements. According to the FY2027 plan, countable assets over $5,000, or $50,000 if a household member is 60 or older (55 for tribal members), rule out replacement. Repairs don't carry that test. For other repair help, see our home repair grants guide.

Maine's LIHEAP Money: $36.7 Million Released So Far

ACF released $36,675,395 of FY2027 LIHEAP block grant money to Maine on October 9, 2026, per ACF's first FY2027 allocation table (opens in a new tab). According to the LIHEAP Clearinghouse, which records federal releases on its funding page (opens in a new tab), this was 90% of the funding available under Public Law 119-103, signed September 2, 2026.

Sources: ACF FY2027 first release table and FY2026 final release table (opens in a new tab); Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (Maine: 1,414,874).

Grantsights analysis of Maine's FY2026 award in ACF's tables, divided by the Census Bureau's July 2025 population, gives $30.18 per resident, about 2.5 times the U.S. figure of $11.90 and 2nd of 51, behind only Vermont. The October 2026 release is 1.0% below a year earlier and equals $25.92 per resident so far. Maine's plan also shifts money: winter crisis drops to 7.5% of funds from 10% last year, while heating rises to 60% from 59%. As of November 3, 2026, ACF's funding releases page (opens in a new tab) shows no second FY2027 release.

What MaineHousing's HEAP Page Doesn't Tell You

MaineHousing's page covers the basics. These 6 points come from the FY2027 plan and the Chapter 24 rule.

1. Electric heat scores highest. Electric heat earns 14 fuel points, double oil's 7.
2. Where you live matters. Aroostook County earns 7 points; Kennebec, Washington and Sagadahoc earn 2.
3. Subsidized tenants lose 9 points even when they pay their own heat, and those with heat in rent get only enough to raise SNAP.
4. Crisis money is tighter. The FY2027 ECIP cap is $500, and the plan's crisis budget share fell from 10% to 7.5%.
5. ECIP can't be started online. Apply for HEAP first, then call your agency about crisis help.
6. The dollar value per point isn't set until the federal money arrives, so early applicants are certified first and paid when funds are available.

Common Mistakes and Red Flags

The most common mistake is sending part of the paperwork and waiting. MaineHousing says incomplete applications are denied, so gather everything before you start. Waiting a few days to submit a complete file is worth it. A close second is ignoring the agency's follow-up call or email after applying online. Households also underestimate how much the vulnerable-member points matter: forgetting to list a grandparent or a child changes the score.

Other problems that slow Maine applications:

• Heating bill in someone else's name without proof you pay it
• Missing income from a household member who isn't on the SNAP notice
• Waiting until spring, when funds may run out before May 29

Scam red flags. Applying is free. ACF's LIHEAP page (opens in a new tab) explains the program runs through states and local agencies, and the FTC's utility impostor scam guide (opens in a new tab) warns that real utilities don't demand gift cards, wire transfers or crypto. Be wary of:

• A caller claiming to be Central Maine Power or Versant Power who demands payment by app to stop a shutoff
• Anyone charging a fee to submit your HEAP application
• Texts promising a "Maine heating grant" in exchange for your bank details

MaineHousing takes reports of HEAP errors and program abuse at 1-800-452-4668. Report scams to ReportFraud.ftc.gov (opens in a new tab).

What to Do If You're Denied or Funds Run Out

Maine's FY2027 plan allows a fair hearing in 3 situations: your application was denied or not acted on promptly, you dispute how your benefit was calculated, or you're asked to repay an overpayment. Send a written request. A hearing officer prepares a recommended decision within 30 days of the hearing, and the MaineHousing Director issues a final decision within 60 days of that recommendation. The plan reports 0 fair hearings in the prior year.

If HEAP isn't enough:

• Ask your agency about local heating funds from United Way, fuel vendors and churches.
• Ask about LIAP for your electric bill if you're not in subsidized housing.
• Use a winter disconnection notice to apply for municipal General Assistance.
• Cut other costs. Our guides to SNAP in Maine, Maine Medicaid income limits, help for seniors and emergency cash assistance cover help that frees up money for fuel.

Family across the border? Our New Hampshire Fuel Assistance guide covers the program next door, and our national LIHEAP guide explains the federal rules.

If you're not sure which Maine programs fit your household, the Grantsights free eligibility checker sorts the public options in a couple of minutes. Pick "Individual," then "Personal financial help." It won't show grants for personal bills, because there aren't any; it points to official routes like the USA.gov benefit finder, bill help and 211, and for a Maine heating bill that means HEAP through your local agency.

FAQ: Maine HEAP

What is the income limit for Maine HEAP in 2026-27?

60% of state median income: $3,173 a month for one person, $6,101 for four and $8,420 for eight.

How much does Maine HEAP pay?

$255 to $1,512 under the accepted FY2027 plan, set by a points formula. ECIP crisis help is capped at $500.

When can I apply for HEAP in Maine?

August 3, 2026 to May 29, 2027, or until funds run out. ECIP runs November 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027.

How do I apply for Maine HEAP?

Online through MaineHousing's portal, or by phone or in person with your local agency.

What is ECIP in Maine?

HEAP's emergency fuel component, worth up to $500 or 100 gallons plus delivery fees once a season.

Can my electricity be shut off in Maine in winter?

Not between November 15 and April 15 without advance permission from the Maine PUC's Consumer Assistance and Safety Division.

How do I appeal a Maine HEAP decision?

Send MaineHousing a written fair hearing request. A final decision follows within about 90 days of the hearing.

---

Sources

1. MaineHousing: Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) (opens in a new tab) - Maine income limits, dates, documents, ECIP, related programs
2. MaineHousing: HEAP and LIAP Agency Contacts (opens in a new tab) - Maine agency counties and phone numbers
3. LIHEAP Clearinghouse: Maine FY2027 Detailed Model Plan (PDF) (opens in a new tab) - Maine benefit range, ECIP cap, priority rules, disconnection statute, appeals, asset test (ACF-funded resource)
4. LIHEAP Clearinghouse: Maine FY2026 Benefit Matrix and Chapter 24 Rule (PDF) (opens in a new tab) - Maine points formula
5. LIHEAP Clearinghouse: Disconnect Policies (opens in a new tab) - Maine winter dates, medical rule, PUC contact (ACF-funded resource)
6. LIHEAP Clearinghouse: Funding for States (opens in a new tab) - FY2027 continuing resolution release
7. ACF: FY2027 State Median Income Table (PDF) (opens in a new tab) - Maine 60% median income figures
8. ACF: FY2027 First Release Table (PDF) (opens in a new tab) and FY2026 Final Release Table (PDF) (opens in a new tab) - Maine allocations
9. ACF: LIHEAP Funding Releases (opens in a new tab) and ACF: LIHEAP program page (opens in a new tab)
10. Census Bureau: Vintage 2025 State Population Estimates (CSV) (opens in a new tab) - Maine population
11. FTC: Scammers Pretend To Be Your Utility Company (opens in a new tab)