N.J. accepting applications for low-income families, seniors to obtain home heating aid

New Jersey low-income and seniors may apply for state home heating aid, the state Department of Community Affairs announced Tuesday.
The aid is available through the federally-funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which provides low-income households with money to help pay their winter heating bills and makes provisions for emergency heating system services and emergency fuel assistance.
“During these tough economic times, many New Jersey households are still struggling to pay their bills,” Gov. Chris Christie said. “They shouldn’t have to make a choice over whether to pay their heating bill or some other necessity, now that winter has arrived. “If heating is a concern this winter, families should take advantage of this invaluable program and submit their applications as soon as possible.”
To be eligible for LIHEAP benefits, a household must be responsible for home heating, either directly or included in the rent, and have a gross income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
“If you can't afford to pay your home energy bill, your home may not be safe, and you may be at risk of serious illness or injury,” DCA Lori Grifa said. “The Low Income Energy Assistance Program may be able to help keep you and your family safe and healthy, which is why we are encouraging those in need to apply early.”
To apply for LIHEAP, households should contact the authorized local community action agency or community-based organization in their area. A list of these agencies is found at www.nj.gov/dca/divisions/dhcr/offices/localagencies.html. The application period runs from Tuesday through April 30. For persons age 60 or older, or who are disabled, applications may be received and returned by mail. Other households may apply by mail at the discretion of the local agency. Assistance toward heating costs depends on income, household size, fuel type, and heating region.
The LIHEAP application can also be used to apply for the Universal Service Fund Program, which is a state-funded initiative administered by the DCA’s Division of Housing and Community Resources to help make natural gas and electric heating bills more affordable for low-income households. To be eligible, a household gross income must be at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty level, and pay more than 3 percent of its annual income for electric or natural gas. If a household has electric heat, it must spend more than 6 percent annual income on electricity to be eligible.
For more information on LIHEAP or to locate the nearest application agency, please call 1-800-510-3102. Additional information about LIHEAP and USF, including an application, is also available at www.energyassistance.nj.gov.
Source  TOM HESTER SR., NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM