60% SMI · 100% Coverage · One Tax Return · $0 Out-of-Pocket

Income-Eligible Electrification.

Massachusetts homeowners under 60% of state median income (SMI) qualify for Mass Save enhanced rebates that frequently bring net cost to $0. Heat pump installs, insulation, panel upgrades — all routinely covered at 100% on standard scope. Documentation is one tax return at the free Home Energy Assessment.

What Income-Eligible Electrification Is

Mass Save runs an enhanced rebate tier for Massachusetts homeowners under 60% of state median income. The enhanced tier:

  • Covers 100% of insulation cost (vs 75% standard tier)
  • Provides enhanced heat pump rebates frequently equal to total install cost
  • Adds enhanced heat pump water heater rebates
  • Stacks with panel-upgrade coverage when paired with electrification
  • Uses the same authorized contractor list — no second contractor needed

The result: standard scope installs (whole-home cold-climate heat pump, attic + wall insulation, panel upgrade as needed) routinely come in at $0 out-of-pocket for the homeowner.

60% SMI Income Thresholds

Massachusetts state median income (SMI) sets the eligibility cutoff. Approximate 60% SMI thresholds:

  • Family of 1: under $70,000
  • Family of 2: under $80,000
  • Family of 3: under $95,000
  • Family of 4: under $110,000
  • Family of 5: under $125,000
  • Family of 6: under $140,000

Note: exact numbers update annually based on Massachusetts census data. Verify current thresholds during the free Home Energy Assessment — the visiting analyst has the current-year cutoffs.

Need Income-Eligible Electrification Help in Massachusetts?

5-min reply during business hours. Free written estimate within 24 hours. Massachusetts Licensed.

Documentation Required

One year of income documentation — typically your most recent federal tax return (IRS Form 1040, page 1). Acceptable alternatives:

  • W-2 forms covering the relevant year
  • Most recent pay stubs showing year-to-date income
  • Social Security benefit statement (for retirement income)
  • Documentation of public assistance enrollment (LIHEAP, SNAP, etc.) — automatic income-eligibility in some scenarios

The documentation is reviewed during the free Mass Save Home Energy Assessment. The analyst confirms eligibility on-site and unlocks the enhanced rebate tier for the project. You do not file anything separately — Pro Build handles the rebate paperwork either way.

What Income-Eligible Electrification Actually Covers

Whole-home heat pump install
100% covered on standard scope — typically a $20,000–$28,000 install at $0 net cost. Includes Manual J load calc, AHRI-matched equipment, R-32/R-454B refrigerant.
Insulation (attic, wall, basement)
100% covered. Air sealing included as the lead-in step.
Heat pump water heater
100% covered on standard installs.
Panel upgrade enabling electrification
Covered when paired with heat pump or other qualifying electrification scope. Standalone panel upgrades not tied to electrification typically not covered at 100%.
ENERGY STAR appliances
Some appliance rebates available — refrigerator, dryer, heat pump dryer.
Smart thermostat
Free during install on most heat pump installs.
LEDs, weatherstripping, low-flow fixtures
Free during the Home Energy Assessment visit.

How Pro Build Handles Income-Eligible Projects

  1. On-site visit. We measure the home, run Manual J, and scope the project at standard rates.
  2. The written estimate shows: investment, expected income-eligible Mass Save rebate, expected federal credit (where applicable), expected HEAT Loan amount (if used), and expected net cost.
  3. Free Mass Save Home Energy Assessment scheduled (we coordinate). Income documentation reviewed by the analyst at the visit.
  4. Income-eligibility confirmed. Rebate tier upgraded to enhanced. Pre-approval filed.
  5. Installation. Massachusetts-licensed crews. EPA 608 Universal. EPA RRP.
  6. Mass Save third-party verification visit (typically 2 weeks after install).
  7. Enhanced rebate posts. For most income-eligible scope, the rebate offsets the contractor invoice directly — homeowner writes no check.

Pro Build does not charge income-eligible homeowners differently. Same crew, same materials, same warranty as standard scope.

Income-Eligible Resource FAQs

Massachusetts Income-Eligible Resource Questions Answered.

What if my income is just above the 60% SMI threshold?

Even at 80–100% SMI you may qualify for moderate-income enhanced rebates that are higher than standard tier but lower than 60% SMI. Always have the analyst verify during the free Home Energy Assessment.

Does income-eligible status follow the property or the homeowner?

The homeowner. The current owner's income at the time of project determines eligibility. If the property is sold, the new owner's eligibility is determined separately based on their income.

Can I use income-eligible electrification on a rental property?

In some scenarios. Mass Save has separate income-eligible rental property programs that work through the property owner. The tenant's income may be the basis for eligibility on certain scopes.

What if I am retired and on Social Security?

Social Security income counts toward total household income for the 60% SMI threshold. Many retired Massachusetts homeowners qualify due to lower retirement income relative to working-years income.

Is income-eligible status verified separately for each project?

Once verified at the free Home Energy Assessment, eligibility typically applies to all qualifying scope completed within the same program year. Documentation may be re-requested for projects in subsequent years.

Can I bundle income-eligible electrification with non-eligible scope?

Yes. Pro Build routinely bundles income-eligible heat pump + insulation scope (100% covered) with cosmetic remodeling scope (homeowner-paid). The two are separately invoiced and the income-eligible portion never touches the homeowner's pocket.

Does income-eligible status affect the contractor I can hire?

No. Same authorized Mass Save HPC list applies to standard and income-eligible tier. Pro Build is on both lists.

What if I do not file a tax return?

Alternative documentation is accepted: pay stubs, Social Security statement, SNAP/LIHEAP enrollment proof, or other income verification. Discuss with the Home Energy Assessment analyst — Mass Save has flexible verification paths for non-filers.

Ready For Your Massachusetts Project?

5-min reply. Free written estimate within 24 hours. Massachusetts Licensed. We file every rebate on your behalf.