People receiving fuel assistance will get an additional $350 in federal funds this winter, according to the South Shore Community Action Council (SSAC), which administers the funds out of Plymouth.

So far this winter, recipients — many of them elderly — have been getting anywhere from $725 to $1,025 for the heating season. Eligibility is based on income and the size of the household.

Lisa Spencer, director of energy programs at the council, said this assistance, based on recent Congressional action, will be much welcome but more is still needed.

“The situation is still pretty dire,” Ms. Spencer said. “It is still not sufficient to get some of these households through the crisis season.”

The money is needed here on the Vineyard, said Laurie Schreiber, director of senior services at the Edgartown Council on Aging. “Thank goodness for the $350,” she said. “I don’t know how some people have made it this far without it. It has been a tough winter,” despite relatively mild temperatures.

Local councils on aging take applications from seniors and send the forms off to the Plymouth council. Those who are not senior citizens but have the need have been able to get help through the Oak Bluffs Council on Aging.

Eligibility for fuel assistance may also include 12 months of discounts on electric, natural gas and telephone bills, according to the council, which added that some may even qualify for free weatherization and heating system repair. Ms. Spencer urges anyone who thinks he or she may qualify to contact their local council on aging, or the local tribe. Applications will be taken through April 30.

Additional information can be obtained by calling the SSAC at 508-546-6707 or through the council’s website: sscac.org.