Am I eligible for a larger income-based rebate?
If you make less than 120% of the state median income, you may be eligible for an extra rebate for your air source heat pump installation through the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center.
In 2016, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) revised its Clean Heating & Cooling program to provide larger rebates to low and moderate income Massachusetts households to ensure that all Massachusetts families have the opportunity to start saving on their home energy bills. Homeowners who install air source heat pumps may be eligible for the larger income-based rebate for those systems.
What are the different rebate sizes offered?
As discussed in greater detail in the FAQs, MassCEC provides rebates based on the size of the size of the ASHP system, as well as on the income level of the household and the type of heating system used by the household. There are three different sizes of rebates offered under the MassCEC incentive:
- Base Rebate. Households with greater than 120% of the state median income are eligible for this rebate.
- Income-Based Rebate. Households with less than 120% of the state median income are eligible for this rebate.
- Income-Based + Electric Heat Replacement Rebate. Households with less than 80% of the state median income AND currently use electric resistance heat in their homes are eligible for this rebate.
Note that these eligibility requirements are in addition to the general MassCEC rebate eligibility requirements described here.
The size of these various rebates are described in the table below:
| System Type | Single-Head Ductless System | Central or Multi-Head Systems |
|---|---|---|
| Base Rebate | $625 per system; 3 system max. ($1875) | $625 per 12,000 BTU/hr (max. heating capacity at 5°F); 48,000 BTU/hr max. ($2,500) |
| Income-Based Rebate | $750 per system; 3 system max. | $750 per 12,000 BTU/hr (max heating capacity at 5°F); 48,000 BTU/hr max. ($3,000) |
| Income-Based + Electric Heat Replacement Rebate | $1,500 per system; 3 system max. ($4,500) | $1,500 per 12,000 BTU/hr (max. heating capacity at 5°F); 48,000 BTU/hr max. ($6,000) |
How do I know whether I meet the income requirements for the larger rebates?
As described above, the state median income is used for the income-based rebate thresholds. These thresholds are determined by the size of your household. Consult the table below to see if your household will be eligible for one of the income-based rebates. Remember: you are only eligible for the Income-Based + Electric Heat Replacement Rebate if your household is below the 80% state median income for its size AND uses electric resistance heat. Otherwise, you will only be eligible for the middle Income-Based Rebate.
| Household Size | 80% of State Median Income | 120% of State Median Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $44,168 | $66,252 |
| 2 | $57,759 | $86,638 |
| 3 | $71,348 | $107,022 |
| 4 | $84,939 | $127,408 |
| 5 | $98,529 | $147,794 |
| 6 | $112,119 | $168,178 |
| 7 | $114,667 | $172,000 |
| 8 | $117,216 | $175,824 |
| 9 | $119,764 | $179,646 |
| 10 | $122,312 | $183,468 |
| 11 | $124,860 | $187,290 |
| 12 | $127,408 | $191,112 |
If your household is larger than 12, consult the table on page 5 of the MassCEC ASHP Program Manual.
How do I verify my income level to receive the larger rebates?
There are three different ways you can verify your income level in order to receive the larger rebates:
- Electric Bill. If your Electric Bill has a low-income rate code from within the last 6 months (R2 for National Grid, Eversource, and Unitil), you can submit it to MassCEC for verification.
- Fuel Assistance (LIHEAP) Letter. If you receive financial support through the Fuel Assistance (LIHEAP) program, provide MassCEC with a copy of a Fuel Assistance Letter from within one year that shows the date, your name, and your current address.
- MassCEC Income Verification. Use MassCEC's Income Verification Portal to verify your income. You will need to submit a completed IRS Form 4056 - T for each adult tax filing (e.g. single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, and/or head of household) within your household. Be sure to select "MassCEC Income Verifier Approval" as the income verification method on your application. The verification process will take approximately one week and will be valid for a year. You will receive an email confirmation once the verification process is complete and your eligibility has been determined.
IMPORTANT: If you are planning on using the MassCEC Income Verification system, it is important to make sure that you complete the income verification process BEFORE your installer applies for your rebate on your behalf. If you are using your electric bill or fuel assistance letter to prove your income, please provide a copy to your installer so that they can submit it with your rebate application.
Still have questions?
Consult MassCEC's Air Source Heat Pump Progarm Manual or get in touch with Maura O'Gara at 617-524-3950 x180 or .