Governor Lamont Releases $12.7 Million in State Aid for Home Heating Assistance as Global Oil Supplies Are Causing Prices To Surge
Supplemental Aid Will Help Eligible Fuel Deliverable Households Receive Additional CEAP Assistance This Winter Season
State Funding Comes Under Sixth Round of Aid Under Connecticut’s Federal Cuts Response Fund
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is releasing $12.7 million in state aid from Connecticut’s Federal Cuts Response Fund to supplement the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) this winter season. The action comes as President Donald Trump’s war in Iran is straining global oil supplies, causing prices to surge, and driving up home heating bills, especially for those who rely on deliverable oil to heat their homes.
Administered by the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) with the support of the state’s nine community action agencies, CEAP is the state program that helps low-income households afford to heat their homes during the winter months. It is funded by the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
This $12.7 million will supplement the federal dollars allocated for the program this winter season. The funding continues Governor Lamont’s targeted response to provide immediate assistance for Connecticut residents impacted by federal policy changes.
“Families across the U.S. are paying the price for rising heating oil costs driven by President Trump’s war in Iran, and we cannot leave these households out in the cold,” Governor Lamont said. “This additional $12.7 million in state funding means more help for those who need it most, especially people on fixed or limited incomes, including older adults, families with young children, and people with disabilities. I strongly urge Congress and President Trump to allocate more federal dollars for heating assistance this winter as the ongoing war is driving up home fuel costs for everyone across America.”
Connecticut’s approved Federal Fiscal Year 2027 LIHEAP Allocation Plan anticipates serving approximately 94,291 households statewide, including about 32,893 deliverable fuel households. CEAP prioritizes vulnerable households, including those with individuals ages 60 or older, children under age 6, and individuals with disabilities.
DSS Commissioner Andrea Barton Reeves says this supplemental state aid will enable deliverable fuel households to receive their CEAP benefits at the same time, rather than having to exhaust one benefit before accessing the next.
“Thanks to Governor Lamont’s leadership, LIHEAP can now offer eligible households the ability to fill their heating fuel tanks now before prices rise even further and the persistent cold of winter arrives,” Commissioner Barton Reeves said. “We encourage residents to apply early and not wait until they are facing a heating emergency.”
CEAP eligibility and application instructions
Connecticut households may qualify for CEAP if their annual gross income is at or below 60% of the state median income, which is $93,681 for a family of four in federal fiscal year 2027. Households receiving certain means-tested benefits—including SNAP, Temporary Family Assistance, and Supplemental Security Income—may qualify through categorical income eligibility.
Applications for the 2026-2027 heating season are now being accepted. CEAP is an annual benefit, and households must apply each year to receive assistance. There are several ways to apply:
Those who need assistance finding their local community action agency can call 2-1-1 for help.
The first day for program-paid fuel deliveries is November 2, 2026. The last day to apply for CEAP this winter season is May 31, 2027.
Connecticut’s Federal Cuts Response Fund
Governor Lamont and the Connecticut General Assembly established Connecticut’s Federal Cuts Response Fund in 2025 to ensure that the state remains prepared to respond to significant federal policy and funding changes impacting the state’s residents, businesses, and communities. It is intended as a state-funded resource to respond to these ongoing issues.
As required under the law establishing it, anytime the governor plans to use the fund his administration must first notify the Democratic and Republican leaders of the Connecticut General Assembly. The group of bipartisan legislative leaders then have 24 hours to review the governor’s proposal and may vote to reject it.
The $12.7 million allocation for CEAP announced today is included in the governor’s sixth proposal to utilize the fund since its creation. A letter notifying the bipartisan legislative leaders of the governor’s sixth proposed use was transmitted this afternoon. All five of the governor’s previous proposals to use the fund have been approved by the group.
Following today’s proposed use of the fund, approximately $250.6 million will remain available to respond to future needs.
Governor Lamont’s previous proposals to utilize Connecticut’s Federal Cuts Response Fund were submitted to legislative leaders on:
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