Do you need help paying your heating bill? Funds are available.

FALL RIVER — Citizens for Citizens Inc. is still taking applications to help local residents pay heating bills this winter.

“We love having new applicants,” said Garth Patterson, CFC fuel assistance director. “It’s an easy process.”

The average consumer can save between $500 and $1,400 on their gas or oil heating bills this season, plus get 25 percent off the cost of electricity. They may also qualify for weatherization, appliance replacement and heater repair programs.

The fuel assistance program started Nov. 1 and runs through April 30.

Patterson said about 12,000 individuals and families in its service area have applied this season, but there are “still untapped clients out there.”

He said it’s a “myth” that heating assistance is only available to the very poor. Many young single people, working families and elderly clients on a fixed income also qualify.

“This program is not only for the poor,” Patterson said.

An individual can make up to $35,510 to qualify for fuel assistance. A family of two can earn $46,437. A family of three can make $57,363, and four can earn $68,289.

“A lot of people are surprised at what you can make and still be eligible,” Patterson said.

CFC is advocating for additional funding to increase this year’s fuel benefits, Patterson explained.

A federal funding cut to the state’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program this year amounted to $11 million. The Massachusetts Association for Community Action is urging legislators to back an additional $30 million in the fiscal 2019 supplemental budget to administer fuel assistance funding to local agencies like CFC.

“Massachusetts got a bit less (this year),” Patterson said. “We’re advocating for it.”

Patterson said there is still funding available now and he’s urging people to sign up for fuel assistance.

He said it can help seniors on a fixed income, some of whom “go without food and medication to pay their bills,” and “young families struggling” and finding themselves in debt.

Those signing up for the first time can also learn about other services provided by CFC including senior aid programs, SNAP benefits, head start, food pantry, free tax programs, and more.

CFC serves Fall River, Assonet, Freetown, Rehoboth, Swansea, Somerset, Seekonk, Westport, Taunton, Berkley, Dighton and Lakeville.

To learn more about fuel assistance, visit CFC in Fall River, 250 Griffin St., or call 508-679-0041, or in Taunton at 1 Taunton Green, or call 508-823-6346. Visit online at http://cfcinc.org

Email Deborah Allard at dallard@heraldnews.com.