Financial Assistance

We recognize that everyone faces difficult financial situations from time to time. Ipswich Utilities works with these programs and organizations to provide assistance to those in need. If you are struggling to keep up with your utility bills, you may be eligible for assistance from one of the programs below. 

If you have questions about any of the programs below, or you aren’t even sure where to start, call Action Inc. at (978) 282-1000 or visit them online at ActionInc.org. 

Action Inc.Fuel Asst Income FY23

Not sure where to start? Action Inc. is the answer. Action Inc. is a Community Action Agency serving the North Shore with a long history of providing support and services to those in need.

Fuel Assistance recipients may also quality for energy efficiency services including FREE home energy assessments, weatherization, and heating system repairs or replacements.

LiHEAP

LIHEAP helps low-income individuals and families with the cost of heating their homes during the winter season. This is a regular monthly payment made toward recurring heating bills. Applicants should contact Action Inc. at 978-282-1000.

Learn more about income eligibility and available services with the 2023 Cold Relief Brochure.


RAFT Program

The RAFT Program (Residential Assistance for families in Transition) is a homelessness prevention program funded by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). RAFT provides short-term financial assistance to low-income families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

RAFT offers flexible financial assistance designed to meet each family’s particular needs. Eligible uses include:

  • moving cost assistance
  • rent and utility arrears
  • rental stipends
  • utility bills.

The maximum benefit cap for RAFT is $10,000 over a 12-month period.   

Applicants must meet certain criteria to be eligible for RAFT: 

  • Risk of homelessness/housing instability (example: applicant has received a Notice to Quit)
  • Currently renting or moving to a new rental 
  • Income at or below 50% of Area Median Income (AMI), or 60% of AMI for households who are at risk of domestic violence (you can check AMI in your city/town using this online tool)

You can also use the eligibility checker tool  here  to see if you might be eligible for RAFT. 

Salvation Army’s Good Neighbor Energy Fund

One time emergency financial relief. Income based using the same qualifiers as the LiHEAP program.

Newburyport Corps
40 Water Street, Newburyport, MA 01950-2751
(978) 465-0883

St. Vincent De Paul Society

Separate from Catholic Charities, this catholic organization assists local families in crisis. Applicants should call (978) 992-6151 to set up an interview with the organization. Assistance is based on the approval of the private organization.

Catholic Charities

Catholic organization assists local families in crisis. Applicants should call (978) 744-5181 to set up an interview with the organization. Assistance is based on the approval of the private organization.