Key takeaways
- Households below certain income limits can receive insulation, air sealing and other upgrades at no cost.
- Moderate-income households can qualify for enhanced rebates that cover more than the standard incentive.
- Eligibility is based on household size and income, or on enrollment in certain assistance programs.
- Income-eligible services are often delivered through local community action agencies working with the utilities.
Three income tiers, three levels of help
Mass Save® is not one-size-fits-all. Incentives depend partly on household income, and the program generally recognizes three groups:
| Group | Who it is for | What it usually means |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Most households | Rebates such as 75% or more off approved insulation |
| Moderate income | Households within a middle income band | Enhanced rebates, often up to 100% for insulation |
| Income-eligible | Households at or below the low-income threshold | Many upgrades at no cost |
The income limits are set by household size and updated over time, so check the current table on the Mass Save® website or ask during your assessment.
How income-eligible services work
Income-eligible customers are usually served through local community action agencies and other program administrators that work with the utilities. If your household qualifies, the agency arranges the energy assessment and coordinates the work. Services can include:
- Air sealing and insulation for attics, walls and basements.
- Heating system repairs or replacements in some cases.
- Refrigerator and lighting replacements.
- Health and safety work needed before weatherization.
Many households also qualify automatically if they already receive certain benefits, such as fuel assistance (LIHEAP) or a utility discount rate. If you are on a discount rate, mention it when you call.
Moderate-income: the group most people miss
The moderate-income tier is where many working families fall, and many of them never ask. If your household earns too much for fuel assistance but still finds energy bills tight, you may qualify for enhanced rebates that cover most or all of approved insulation. The verification is usually simple: proof of income submitted with your application.
Ask about income tiers before your Home Energy Assessment. It changes the incentives in your proposal, so it is worth sorting out first.
Renters and landlords
Income-eligible programs can also help tenants. In buildings with one to four units, the landlord's permission is needed for work on the building, and there are paths for buildings where most tenants are income-eligible. Landlords should read our guide for landlords and multi-family owners.
What the work looks like
The work itself is the same high-quality weatherization any homeowner receives: air sealing first, then insulation to the recommended depth, with ventilation and combustion safety checked. In older multi-family homes common in cities like Worcester, Lawrence, Springfield and New Bedford, that usually means sealing and insulating the attic, dense-packing empty walls with cellulose and insulating the basement rim joists.
How to know which tier you are in
Income tiers are based on your household's gross annual income compared with limits that depend on how many people live in the home. Here is how to think about it:
- Count everyone who lives in the home.
- Add up gross household income (before taxes).
- Compare with the current limits published by Mass Save® for each tier.
If you receive fuel assistance or a utility discount rate, mention it right away. It often confirms eligibility without extra paperwork.
Documents that are commonly requested
| Situation | What may be needed |
|---|---|
| Fuel assistance or discount rate | Proof of enrollment |
| Employed | Recent pay stubs or tax return |
| Retired | Social Security or pension statements |
| Self-employed | Tax return |
Requirements change, so follow the instructions you receive.
What no-cost upgrades can include
For income-eligible households, services may go beyond insulation:
- Air sealing and insulation of attics, walls and basements.
- Replacement of inefficient refrigerators.
- Heating system repairs or replacement when needed for safety or efficiency.
- Health and safety work that makes weatherization possible.
Seniors and fixed incomes
Many older homeowners in Massachusetts live in paid-off homes but on fixed incomes, and they often qualify for enhanced or no-cost help without realizing it. If you or a parent are in that situation, it is worth a call.
Avoiding common delays
- Answer verification requests quickly. Projects cannot be scheduled until eligibility is confirmed.
- Clear access to the attic and basement before the assessment.
- Mention known barriers like knob-and-tube wiring or vermiculite early.
Where BCI Group fits
Income-eligible services are usually coordinated through local agencies. For standard and moderate-income households, BCI Group is a participating contractor that can schedule your assessment, explain your proposal and complete the work with our own crews.
How to start
- Check the current income limits for your household size.
- Contact Mass Save® or your local community action agency if you think you are income-eligible.
- If you are in the standard or moderate tier, schedule a Home Energy Assessment and ask about enhanced rebates.
- Choose a participating contractor for the work if you are not in the income-eligible path.
BCI Group is a Mass Save® partner in Westborough, MA. If you are in the standard or moderate-income tier, call (774) 278-8256 and we will walk you through the next steps. Read our complete Mass Save® guide for the bigger picture.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I am income-eligible?
Eligibility is based on household size and gross income compared with current program limits. Enrollment in fuel assistance or a utility discount rate often qualifies you automatically.
Is income-eligible weatherization really free?
For qualifying households, many measures such as insulation and air sealing are provided at no cost.
What is the moderate-income tier?
It is a band above the low-income limit where households can qualify for enhanced rebates, often covering most or all of approved insulation.
Can renters receive income-eligible services?
Yes, with the property owner’s permission for work on the building.
Do I need to provide income documents?
Usually yes, unless you qualify through enrollment in a recognized assistance program.
Services mentioned in this article
Mass Save® Upgrades near you in Massachusetts
BCI Group crews work in these communities every week. See local details for Mass Save® in your town:
