Fuel Assistance ABCD Inc
Local business · 178 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02111, USA
Their work
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Call (617) 357-6012Visit websiteSee on GoogleYou reach them directly — we don’t take a cut.
Verified record
- 3 reviews in the last 6 months
- 1 customer photoOf completed work
Highlights
- Patient staff — reviewers describe courteous, helpful service over the years
- Strong Google standing — 4 stars across 114 ratings
- Recent complaints — two of the last three Google reviews call service unprofessional
- Rude phone contact — one recent caller described a sarcastic, dismissive rep
- Unclear service scope — one listing calls it an oil supplier, conflicting with its own site
Fuel Assistance ABCD Inc isn't a heating contractor in the usual sense — it's the Energy division of Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD), a Boston nonprofit at 178 Tremont Street that administers fuel and heating-cost assistance, weatherization referrals, and utility-bill advocacy for households in Boston, Malden, Medford, and Everett, serving roughly 18,000 area households a year. On Google it holds a 4-star rating across 114 ratings, and reviewers over the years describe the Malden-area staff as patient and willing to walk applicants through paperwork. The last few months tell a rougher story, though: of its three most recent Google reviews, two are one-star. One caller in April called the process unprofessional after submitting extensive required documentation, and another in January described a phone representative as sarcastic and dismissive. One review aggregator lists it under "heating oil delivery," but ABCD's own site is explicit that it funds and coordinates heating assistance rather than delivering fuel or servicing equipment — worth clarifying up front so expectations match what the program actually does. This is the number to call if you need help paying a heating bill or navigating a fuel-assistance application, not a plumber or HVAC technician for a repair. Given the recent complaints, it's worth following up promptly, and in writing, if an application seems stalled.
Read the comments
Most recent comments
- 5.0Apr 9, 2026
Very pleasant experience
— glenn smithView on Google Reviews ↗ - 1.0Apr 2, 2026
ABC Boston—They are supposedly there to help people fill out applications for government programs designed for low-income individuals who struggle to pay their utility or electricity bills. However, ABC provides such poor service; they are completely unprofessional. I applied for the programs and submitted every document they requested—the Social Security numbers for all my children, proof of income, my rental lease, and they even made me obtain a letter from my daughter's school. They told me I could send it via email or postal mail, or deliver it in person. I did everything they told me to do, only for them to send me a letter in the end stating that I had failed to submit all the required documents. The only thing I accomplished through this entire process was wasting my time with these unprofessional people.
— carlos nunezView on Google Reviews ↗ - 1.0Jan 28, 2026
Experienced a call with an ill-spoken human being named Jean who did nothing but speak sarcastically and in a childish manner. I strongly believe that individuals who don't truly enjoy, or can't at least pretend to enjoy helping others should be employed as customer service in government programs meant to help. Empathy, understanding, and patience are essential in these roles as it defines the very purpose of these programs. It is obvious adequate training isn't given, and I hope a change is made soon.
— Brayeli SantanaView on Google Reviews ↗ - 5.0Aug 8, 2025
Can't thank you enough ABCD in Malden Massachusetts I'm in Melrose Mass . Cant thank you enough for all your help for the past couple of years. And your continuing help as well. I wouldn't be able to get by and make it with my little social security check I'm waiting on housing champ as well as section 8 I can't afford to live here but my sister's been helping me as much as she can . If it wasn't for use helping me with my utilities I don't know what I would do. so thank you. You are much appreciated By me. God bless Mr.Joseph Ross 🤗
— Joseph RossView on Google Reviews ↗ - 1.0Jun 27, 2025
I was a current Boston resident fuel ABCD was great 10 years ago now forget it!!! Understaffed rude took me 6 months to get approved this year and numerous visits down the office every time I called or went in person it was always oh we’re behind this year time after time. One time I went there they were talking about what they are ordering for lunch. ABCD use to be a great operation not anymore!!! ABCD came down to take pictures to replace windows never got called back after 2 visits!!! My PAYMENT better be going through people low income need these programs can’t believe this is how ABCD is 10 years later what a crying shame for such a rich state I didn’t get approved until June 13th my payment better be in!!! Don’t mess with me next year you can just hide on the phone I show up in person forget ordering food and do your work and loose your crabby attitude just because people need help we are not below you!!! GET IT TOGETHER ABCD or you will see me in your offices
— Danny GView on Google Reviews ↗
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Update history
Added 41 new comments, added 22 new photos, established rating 2.7
- behind the score: Recent complaints — two of the last three Google reviews call service unprofessional