Low income households failing to meet their energy needs receive help through Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The program provides grants in the winter so that such households can pay their heating bills and continue using heating equipment. The program also pays for cooling costs if there is a medical need for that.

New Jersey LIHEAP offers financial benefits to eligible households. The financial grant is sent directly to energy provider but in case a household is in imminent danger of being without heat, such grants are paid directly to the household to ensure that it continues using heating during harsh weather. If energy costs are included in monthly rent, then the payment is made to the applicant if he/she is responsible for paying the rent.

Applications for LIHEAP in New Jersey are accepted between October 1 and April 30. However, applicants may get an extension in deadline in certain special cases. To apply, you will have to visit your local community action agency. If you are disabled, or above 60 years of age, you can send your application through mail, instead of visiting the local community action agency.

LIHEAP households in New Jersey can also be eligible for Universal Service Fund (USF). Households applying for LIHEAP will also be applying for USF since one application serves both the programs. USF helps low-income households lower their energy bills. Low-income households can easily afford to pay their energy bills if they qualify for USF and LIHEAP.

To receive LIHEAP and USF benefits in New Jersey, your household income should fall within the income limits defined by the program. Successful applicants will have to provide their complete details with details about all the household members. The amount of benefits will depend on number of people in household, geographical location, and gross income of the household.

Eligibility Requirements

To receive grants through LIHEAP, you will have to meet the following eligibility requirements.

• You must be resident of New Jersey

• You must have need help for paying energy bills

• Your household income must be below income limits set in the program

Income eligibility

LIHEAP applicants in New Jersey should establish that their household income is within the following income limits to receive LIHEAP grants.

Number of people in household Monthly gross income limit

1. $1,862

2. $2,522

3. $3,182

4. $3,842

5. $4,502

6. $5,162

7. $5,882

8. $6,482

9. $7,142

10. $7,384

For each additional person in the household, please add $154 in monthly gross income limit.

LIHEAP Application Instructions

To apply for LIHEAP in New Jersey, you can use either of the two available options.

Apply in person: To apply for New Jersey LIHEAP in person, you will have to visit your local community action agency. You can find all the details about your local community action agency this link.

Apply through mail/fax: You can also apply through mail/fax for LIHEAP in New Jersey. You will first have to download application and then complete it. Once you have completed your application in all respects, send it to your local community action agency. You can find mail and fax address of agencies in New Jersey using this this link.

When applying, you will need to provide details such as your income proof, your residence proof, your social security number, and your rent deed in case you pay your energy costs with rent. You will also need to bring your fuel/utility bill to show that you are responsible for paying it. It is always a good idea to contact your local community action agency on phone and inquire about all the documents that you need to take with you to avoid unnecessary delay and hassle.

For more information about LIHEAP in New Jersey, you can call at (800) 510-3102.