Income-eligible discount rate program
The Discount Rate Program helps income-eligible customers manage their energy bills by providing a monthly discount on electric and/or gas service. Discount levels vary based on household size and income, which is the combined gross income of all persons living in a household.
To be eligible for a discounted rate on energy service, you must be a Massachusetts National Grid residential customer and meet income eligibility requirements, or you or a member of your household receives benefits from a qualifying program below or a Home Energy Assistance grant.
To enroll in the Discount Rate Program (Tier 6):
Fill out our online application or Call 1-800-322-3223 or Download our PDF application
To see if you qualify for a higher discount (Tier 1-5), work with your local Community Action Agency (CAA/CAP) or enroll in an eligible state assistance program, such as HEAP, SNAP, or MassHealth. The agency will verify your household income and size and assign the appropriate discount tier. To qualify, your gross annual household income must be at or below 60% of the State Median Income (SMI). Once eligibility is confirmed, the information will be shared with National Grid and applied to your account within 1-2 billing cycles. You can apply for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) at mass.gov/heatinghelp or find your local fuel assistance agency on the MASSCAP website.
View income eligibility and benefit levels chart
Discount rate tiers
| Tier | Income Level | Electric Discount Rates | Gas Heating Discount Rates | Gas Non-Heating Discount Rates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0-100% FPL | 91% | 87% | 90% |
| 2 | 100-125% FPL | 69% | 56% | 65% |
| 3 | 125-150% FPL | 62% | 46% | 57% |
| 4 | 150-175% FPL | 56% | 36% | 49% |
| 5 | 175-200% FPL | 49% | 26% | 42% |
| 6 | 200% FPL-60% SMI | 32%* | 25%* | 25%* |
FPL = Federal Poverty Level SMI = State Median Income | *29% beginning on 5/1/27 | *20% beginning on 5/1/27 15% on 11/1/27 | *20% beginning on 5/1/27 |
Discount Rates are effective as of November 1, 2026. Eligibility requirements and discount rates are subject to change at any time.
Eligible benefit programs
- Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC)
- Emergency Assistance Family Shelter
- ConnectorCare Plan Type 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 3C
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/Food Stamps)
- Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC)
- Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP/Fuel Assistance)
- Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program (WIC)
- Head Start
- Child Care Financial Assistance (CCFA)
- MassHealth Medicare Savings Program (MSP)
- MassHealth Home and Community Based Waivers
- MassHealth CarePlus
- MassHealth CommonHealth
- MassHealth Limited
- MassHealth Premium Assistance
- MassHealth Standard
- MassHealth Family Assistance
- State Supplemental Program (SSP)
- Social Security Disability Income (SSDI)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP)
- State-Funded Public Housing
- Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (administered by LHA or EOHLC)
- Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP)
- Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT)
- HUD-Funded Federal Public Housing (administered by LHA)
- Veterans Non-Service Disability Pension
- Veterans Dependency & Indemnity Compensation Surviving Parent
- Veterans Service Benefits Chapter 115
- MassGrant or MassGrant Plus
- Pell Grants
You will need to provide proof of benefits, such as a program I.D. card or a copy of the certifying agency's acceptance letter with your application. Proof of residency at the address attached to the account is required.
Please note, eligibility for the Discount Rate isn't guaranteed or limited to these programs, as other means-tested public benefits may also qualify. Keep information up to date with the agency administering your benefits, as changes to household income and size may impact eligibility and enrollment in the program.
Need help applying or determining your eligibility?
Meet one-on-one with a Consumer Advocate at a Customer Assistance Event for personalized support and guidance. Our team will discuss available assistance programs, review eligibility requirements, and assist with the application. View our upcoming event schedule to find an event at a location near you.