Eligible residents in Maine can begin to apply for assistance with their heating bills for fiscal 2024 in just 14 days.

Applications for Maine's Home Energy Assistance Program begin on July 17 for the 2023-2024 heating season, per the state.

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The program offers assistance with heating costs, including for fuel and emergency fuel delivery, per the Maine State Housing Authority. The state says individuals seeking help with their energy costs should apply as early as possible.

For the 2023-2024 season, the maximum monthly gross income to qualify for the benefits is $2,723 for a single-person household and $6,074 for a household of five people.

For fiscal 2022, the maximum benefit was $2,116, while the minimum benefit for the program was $152, per the Department of Health and Human Services.

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Heating assistance is available in all 50 states, while some states also provide cooling assistance during warmer months. Maine does not offer cooling assistance. Cooling assistance through LIHEAP is available in 28 states and the District of Columbia, with each jurisdiction offering different amounts of money for the assistance to help low-income citizens stay cool during warm weather.

LIHEAP payments for cooling assistance can be used to purchase, install, or repair air conditioning units, along with heat pumps. The payments can also be used to pay for electric bills or security deposits for operating cooling equipment, among other eligible expenditures.