As the cost of living rises, United Way of Rhode Island expands access to heating assistance

More Rhode Islanders will qualify for winter heating assistance this year under higher income limits that took effect Sunday for a United Way of Rhode Island program.

The statewide nonprofit’s Good Neighbor Energy Fund helps households experiencing temporary financial hardship who earn too much to qualify for federal or state assistance. 

For the 2026-27 heating season, the fund has raised its income limits by roughly $18,000 for most household sizes. A family of four can now earn up to $115,500 annually and still qualify, compared with $96,450 last year. For a family of six, the limit has increased from $129,450 to $147,450.

There’s a name for working families who are surviving but not thriving in Rhode Island: ALICE

The United Way raised income thresholds to better reflect the cost of living for working families, drawing on the findings on its recent report, “ALICE in Rhode Island: A Study of Financial Hardship”

The report published Sept. 17 found about 43% of all households in Rhode Island can’t afford basic expenses such as housing, food, transportation, healthcare and childcare. 

“The face of need in Rhode Island looks very different today than it once did. More and more working households find themselves stretched thin by the rising cost of essentials,” Cortney Nicolato, president and CEO of United Way of Rhode Island, said in a statement. “The Good Neighbor Energy Fund is there for families who do not qualify for traditional assistance but still face the choice between keeping their heat on and paying for other necessities.”

Rhode Island households in need of energy assistance due to financial struggles can call United Way’s 211 helpline or contact their local Community Action Program agency to determine eligibility for the fund.

Maximum grants vary by heating source, ranging from $600 for electricity and natural gas to $825 for oil and propane. Households using wood can receive up to $650, while those using kerosene can receive up to $600.

The United Way has distributed nearly $280,000 in energy grants to 437 households last year, according to the nonprofit.