DCA Announces May 2nd Application Deadline for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

 

TRENTON, NJ – New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Commissioner Lori Grifa today reminded income-eligible residents that they have until Monday, May 2, to apply for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) benefits for this year. The federally-funded program assists low-income households with their heating and cooling bills, and provides emergency heating system services and emergency fuel assistance.

"Given the economic downturn, LIHEAP provides a lifeline to households with limited financial resources that have little ability to deal with seasonal and unexpected increases in home energy costs," said Commissioner Grifa. "Access to LIHEAP assistance allows vulnerable New Jersey families to pay for other necessities such as food, clothing, and health care."

Program funding is administered through the DCA's Division of Housing and Community Resources. Residents are asked to file an application with any of the local agencies participating in the LIHEAP program.

To be eligible for LIHEAP benefits, households must be responsible for home heating or cooling costs, either directly or included in the rent; and have a gross income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Persons who live in public housing and/or receive rental assistance are not eligible unless they pay for their own heating/cooling costs directly to the fuel supplier.

The LIHEAP application also serves as an application for the Universal Service Fund (USF) Program, which is run by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. USF helps low-income households pay for their electric and natural gas costs. LIHEAP eligible households may also be eligible to receive USF assistance. USF applications are accepted throughout the year.

For more information on LIHEAP, or to find the nearest agency participating in the program, please log on to www.energyassistance.nj.gov or call 1-800-510-3102 (LIHEAP).

 

LIHEAP Monthly Pre-tax Income Limits

 

Household

Size

LIHEAP

Program

1

$1,805

2

$2,429

3

$3,052

4

$3,675

5

$4,299

6

$4,922

7

$5,545

8

$6,169

9

$6,792

10

$7,415

11

$7,532

12

$7,686

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