The fuel assistance program will close for applications on Friday, May 15. If you did not receive an application in the mail and feel that you may qualify, call 508-696-3843 to schedule an appointment at the Dukes County Administration Building, 9 Airport Road in Edgartown. Residents may also apply at intake sites including Martha’s Vineyard Community Services, 508-696-7563; Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), 508-645-9265, and senior citizens may call their local councils on aging: Edgartown, 508-627-4368; Oak Bluffs, 508-693-4509; Tisbury, 508-696-4205, and West Tisbury, 508-693-2896.

New applicants must bring proof of income for the past 30 days for all household members over age 18, photo identification and proof of street address. Households who have used the same primary heat source for at least 12 months should bring copies of their heating bills for a potentially higher fuel assistance benefit level.

Eligibility is based on gross income and household size. The maximum allowable income guidelines are $32,618 for a household of one, $42,654 for a two-person household, $52,691 for three people, $62,727 for four, or $72,763 for a five-person household. Heating season benefit levels range from $460 to $1,095 for non-subsidized residents and $325 to $765 for some subsidized housing residents.

Eligibility for fuel assistance also provides 12 months of discounts on electric, natural gas and Verizon telephone bills. Fuel assistance eligibility may also provide eligibility for free weatherization and heating system repair.