Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)

The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) helps residents pay for their home heating costs. Applications typically take 30-45 minutes to complete.

• Benefit amounts: $295-$645 for the 2025-2026 season, based on household size, income, and heating source.

• Payment process: Benefits are usually paid directly to your utility company or fuel vendor.

• Extra Help: Households using deliverable fuels (oil, kerosene, propane) may be eligible for additional fuel deliveries. CEAP recipients may also qualify for payment matching plans, shut-off protection, and heating equipment repairs or replacement.

CEAP is an annual benefit, so you must apply each year to receive assistance.

• Online applications: Open Monday, September 1, 2025, through the CEAP online portal.

• In-person applications: Due to the Labor Day holiday on Monday, September 1, 2025, in-person applications will begin on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

• Deadline: The last day to apply for benefits is May 29, 2026. Applications sent by mail must be postmarked by this date.

Deliverable fuel heated households that apply after the authorization deadline may still submit paid invoices for fuel purchase between November 1 and April 1 for review under program eligibility.

Administered by the Connecticut Department of Social Services in partnership with local Community Action Agencies

Your household may be eligible for CEAP if you can answer YES to the following questions:

 

• Are you a Connecticut resident?

• Do you meet one of the following income guidelines?

  • You receive food stamps (SNAP), SSI, TANF, or other benefits from the Department of Social Services

  • Your annual household income falls at or below the income levels in the table below (i.e. 60% of the state’s median income)

Annual income limit by household size

• 1: $47,764

• 2: $62,460

• 3: $77,157

• 4: $91,854

• 5: $106,550

• 6: $121,247

• 7: $124,002

• 8: $126,758

Do you have a Social Security Number? Almost every applicant is required to provide a Social Security Number for each member of their household. To check if you meet one of the exceptions, click here.

You will either need a copy of your most recent heating bill (if applying for Heating Assistance), electric bill (if applying for Heating Assistance), or a copy or photo of your rental lease showing that your utilities are included in your rent

• If everyone in your household currently receives SNAP or cash assistance, you automatically meet income requirements and do not need to provide income documents.

• If your income comes from Social Security, you must provide your Social Security award letter or other proof of benefits, as DSS cannot verify this information directly.

• If not, you must provide proof of income:

  • Employed household members: Income for all members from either the last 30 days or any 4 consecutive weeks within the last 3 months before the application date. You may also choose to provide income from the 12 months prior to the application if that better reflects annual income.

  • Self-employed household members: Complete Self-Employment Worksheet (English) or (Spanish) and your most recent IRS Form 1040 with all schedules.

  • Household members with additional income: Award letters or signed statements. [Click here to learn more.]

You can apply online, by phone, by email, by mail, or in person at your local Community Action Agency (CAA). Find your local CAA in the table below.

• Apply online: Submit your CEAP application through the online portal. (Online applications are automatically digitally signed when you submit them.)

• Apply by phone: Call your local CAA and request assistance applying for CEAP over the phone (see Phone Number below).

• Apply by email: Download and complete the CEAP Application (English or Spanish). Email the completed and signed application, along with all required documents, to your local CAA (see Email Address below). Unsigned applications will be returned as invalid.

• Apply by mail: Download and complete the CEAP Application (English or Spanish). Mail the completed and signed application, along with all required documents, to your local CAA (see Mailing Address below). Unsigned applications will be returned as invalid.

• Apply in person: Call your local CAA to schedule an appointment or walk in (no appointment needed, if available).

Important: All mailed, emailed, or in-person applications must be signed. Unsigned applications will be considered invalid and returned to the applicant. (Online applications are automatically digitally signed when you submit them)