CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - There have been growing concerns in the community over residents not receiving heating assistance as we approach the colder months. Valley Opportunity Council announced on November 15th that the state released the funds for the fuel assistance HEAP program. The Home Energy Assistance Program is a free resource that helps eligible households in Hampden County to pay a portion of winter heating bills and make ends meet during this time of year. Valley Opportunity Council says more than 6,800 applications have been approved so far and they are still going through them. Melissa White with VOC explains why resources like this are essential for residents, "As heating bills go up this can also be a way that people are more able to afford their groceries or medical expenses because they were able to get some help with their heating cost." Now when it comes to eligibility for home energy assistance, it is based on household size and the combined gross annual income of household members. Household income cannot exceed 60% of Massachusetts' estimated State Median Income. Local News Headlines Enfield police arrest suspect in stolen vehicle scheme Town reduces speed limit amid National Crash Responders Safety Week Greenfield looks to revive Northern Tier Rail line Heating aid approved to help residents in Hampden County WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.