Vermont calls its LIHEAP program “Seasonal Fuel Assistance” — administered by the Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF), through local DCF district offices and community action agencies. Vermont’s program is notable for its 185% Federal Poverty Level income threshold — one of the highest LIHEAP income limits of any state — and its no-asset-test policy: eligibility is based on income alone, regardless of savings accounts, retirement accounts, or property owned.
Vermont also operates a mandatory dealer discount program — certified heating oil, kerosene, and propane suppliers statewide must choose one of two mandated discount pricing options for Seasonal Fuel Assistance customers, providing either a cost-over-rack pricing or a 15-cent-per-gallon discount.
What Does Vermont Seasonal Fuel Assistance Cover?
Seasonal Fuel Assistance (LIHEAP) — a payment toward home heating costs for the winter season, sent directly to your fuel supplier or utility account. Benefit range: $21 minimum to $2,089 maximum for FY 2026. Benefits are determined by household income, size, and heating fuel type. Program period: year-round — Vermont accepts applications year-round, with funding decisions made in early fall and benefits sent to fuel supplier accounts before winter.
Vermont’s program works with approximately 150 fuel suppliers across the state and covers nearly every heating source: oil, kerosene, propane, natural gas, coal, electricity, and wood.
“Best to apply in spring or summer”: Vermont’s Senior Solutions and DCF both recommend applying for Seasonal Fuel Assistance in the spring or summer for the following heating season. Funding decisions are made in early fall, and funds are sent to your fuel supplier account before winter arrives. Applying early ensures your account is credited before the heating season begins.
Crisis Fuel Assistance — emergency heating help when you run out of fuel, face a disconnection, or are in an immediate heating crisis. Maximum: $2,479.64 — one of the highest crisis caps in this series. Available year-round. Crisis assistance uses the same income guidelines (185% FPL) but may also be available at up to 200% FPL in some circumstances — confirm with your DCF district office.
No cooling assistance: Vermont does not offer a summer cooling assistance component. The state’s short, mild summers make cooling assistance less critical.
Weatherization Assistance — free home energy efficiency upgrades (insulation, sealing, heating system improvements). Income limit: same as LIHEAP (up to 60% SMI or 185% FPL). Year-round.
General Assistance (GA): Vermont’s General Assistance program, also administered by DCF, provides emergency help to meet basic needs — including fuel and utilities — for persons with little or no income and employment barriers, or those who have experienced a crisis (fire, flood, death in family, eviction). GA applicants must apply in person at district offices. This is a last-resort backstop for households that may not qualify for standard Seasonal Fuel Assistance.
Vermont’s Mandatory Dealer Discount Program
Vermont is one of very few states with a statutory discount requirement on fuel sold to LIHEAP households. Certified heating oil, kerosene, and propane suppliers must choose one of two mandatory pricing options:
Option 1 — Margin Over Rack (MOR): A cost-based pricing formula; the daily MOR price is posted by the fuel assistance office. Vermont publishes the Vermont Fuel Assistance Rack Price (VFARP) daily.
Option 2 — Discount-Off-Retail (DOR): A mandatory 15-cent-per-gallon discount from the dealer’s daily cash price. If the dealer offers a discount for cash or prompt payment to non-LIHEAP customers, the 15 cents must be deducted from that already-lower price. The 15-cent discount also applies for crisis fuel deliveries — but the additional cash/prompt payment discount is only required on seasonal deliveries, not crisis deliveries.
All community action agencies are directed to use the dealer of record first when ordering a crisis fuel delivery.
Vermont Seasonal Fuel Assistance Income Limits 2026
Vermont uses 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) as its income threshold — significantly more generous than the 150% FPL used by most states and even more generous than the 60% SMI threshold used by high-income states. The LIHEAP Clearinghouse lists Vermont’s official income eligibility level as 60% SMI, but Vermont’s DCF program materials and press releases consistently cite 185% FPL. Verify with DCF at the time of application.
No asset limit: Vermont’s Seasonal Fuel Assistance has no asset test. Eligibility is based on income alone, regardless of savings, retirement accounts, or real property.
Based on 185% FPL:
| Household Size | Monthly Gross Income Limit (185% FPL) | Annual Gross Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,317 | $27,804 |
| 2 | $3,134 | $37,611 |
| 3 | $3,950 | $47,397 |
| 4 | $4,767 | $57,204 |
| 5 | $5,583 | $66,990 |
| 6 | $6,399 | $76,788 |
| Each additional | +$817/month | +$9,804/year |
Based on 185% FPL. Vermont’s official income guidelines table is published at dcf.vermont.gov. Confirm the current table before applying.
For a national comparison of LIHEAP income thresholds, see the LIHEAP eligibility guide.
Categorical eligibility: Households receiving 3SquaresVT (SNAP), SSI, or Reach Up (Vermont’s TANF program) are automatically income-eligible. Vermont calls its SNAP program 3SquaresVT and its TANF program Reach Up — both qualify households for automatic Seasonal Fuel Assistance eligibility.
Who Qualifies for Vermont Seasonal Fuel Assistance
To qualify:
- Vermont residency as primary dwelling
- Gross household income at or below 185% FPL (regardless of assets)
- Responsible for home heating costs — directly or included in rent
Both homeowners and renters qualify. Renters with heat included in rent may still qualify — the benefit is sent to the fuel supplier or utility on your behalf.
Heat included in rent: Even if your heat is included in your rent and you don’t see a separate heating bill, you may still be eligible. Contact your DCF district office to confirm.
How to Apply for Vermont Seasonal Fuel Assistance
Step 1 — Apply Early (Spring or Summer Recommended)
Vermont recommends applying for Seasonal Fuel Assistance in the spring or summer for the following heating season. Funding decisions are made in early fall, and benefits are credited to fuel supplier accounts before winter. Waiting until winter can mean a slower process.
Step 2 — Apply Through DCF or Online
Vermont Benefits Call Center: Call 1-800-479-6151 to apply or request an application mailed to your home.
Online: Apply at mybenefits.vermont.gov — Vermont’s integrated benefits portal for 3SquaresVT (SNAP), Reach Up (TANF), Medicaid, and Seasonal Fuel Assistance. The Seasonal Fuel Assistance application is part of the combined Vermont benefits application.
In person or by mail: Visit your local DCF district office. A list of offices is at dcf.vermont.gov/district_offices. Phone-in and walk-in applications are accepted.
Seniors: Contact Senior Solutions HelpLine at 802-885-2669 for an application and assistance completing it.
For a general overview of the LIHEAP application process, see how to apply for LIHEAP. Vermont’s DCF contact is in the LIHEAP phone number directory.
Step 3 — Required Documents
- Proof of Vermont residency (lease, mortgage statement, utility bill)
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Proof of citizenship or qualified non-citizen status
- Proof of gross household income — pay stubs, 3SquaresVT/Reach Up/SSI award letters, Social Security benefit statements
- Most recent heating fuel statement or delivery receipt
- For crisis assistance: documentation of the emergency (empty tank, shutoff notice)
Step 4 — Benefit Payment
Benefits are sent directly to your fuel supplier account (for oil, kerosene, propane, wood) or to your utility company (for natural gas or electric heat). You receive confirmation from DCF.
To follow up on a submitted application, contact your DCF district office or the Benefits Call Center at 1-800-479-6151. General guidance is also available at how to track your LIHEAP application status.
Vermont LIHEAP Funding 2026
Vermont received $23,126,077 in federal LIHEAP funding for FY 2026, including an additional $527,105 from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. In FY 2024, Vermont served 23,293 heating households and 2,676 winter crisis households, with 177 weatherization projects. Vermont’s typical annual LIHEAP allocation is approximately $20 million. Browse LIHEAP funding by state to compare Vermont with other states.
Vermont Utility Assistance Programs
Green Mountain Power Low Income Discount Rate — GMP residential customers at or below 150% FPL may qualify for a discount on their monthly electric rate. Contact Green Mountain Power or your DCF district office to enroll.
Efficiency Vermont — Vermont’s statewide energy efficiency utility provides free and discounted weatherization, HVAC upgrades, and heat pump programs for income-eligible Vermonters. Efficiency Vermont serves all Vermont residential and commercial customers regardless of utility provider. Visit efficiencyvermont.com.
Vermonter Physician’s Certificate (Medical Disconnection Delay): Vermont law allows households with a serious medical condition to delay electric or gas disconnection for up to 30 days by submitting a Physician’s Certificate to the utility. This certificate can be renewed once (for a second 30-day period) and can be used a maximum of three times per calendar year.
Additional Resources for Vermont Families
Vermont 3SquaresVT (SNAP): Check Vermont SNAP income limits and see how to apply for SNAP in Vermont. Vermont’s SNAP program (3SquaresVT) includes Crop Cash — a dollar-for-dollar match on EBT purchases at participating farmers’ markets.
Vermont Medicaid (Green Mountain Care): Check Vermont Medicaid eligibility and income limits.
WIC: For families with a pregnant woman, breastfeeding mother, or child under 5. Check Vermont WIC income eligibility.
211: Dial 211 for referrals to local energy assistance, food, housing, and other programs across Vermont.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the income limits for Vermont Seasonal Fuel Assistance?
Vermont uses 185% of the Federal Poverty Level — approximately $4,767/month ($57,204/year) for a household of 4. Critically, there is no asset test — savings, retirement accounts, and property are not counted. Households receiving 3SquaresVT, SSI, or Reach Up are automatically income-eligible.
When should I apply?
Apply in the spring or summer for the upcoming heating season. Vermont funding decisions are made in early fall, and benefits are credited to fuel supplier accounts before winter. Waiting until winter can slow the process.
What is the mandatory dealer discount?
Vermont requires certified oil, kerosene, and propane suppliers to offer LIHEAP customers either a cost-over-rack (MOR) price or a 15-cent-per-gallon discount from the cash price. This mandated discount is unique to Vermont in this LIHEAP series.
What is Reach Up?
Reach Up is Vermont’s TANF (cash assistance) program. Reach Up households are automatically income-eligible for Seasonal Fuel Assistance.
Can renters with heat included in rent apply?
Yes — even if your heat is included in rent and you have no separate heating bill, you may still qualify. Contact your DCF district office.
For current Vermont Seasonal Fuel Assistance information, visit dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/crisis-fuel or call the Vermont Benefits Call Center at 1-800-479-6151.