New Jersey residents are reminded that the application period for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will close on June 30, 2024.

Additionally, the application period for emergency benefits available to current LIHEAP recipients who are still having difficulty paying their prior winter heating bills will also close on June 30. Recipients may be eligible to receive emergency assistance toward their heating costs if they have received a shut-off notice on their gas or electric bill or cannot pay for deliverable fuel such as heating oil.

To apply for LIHEAP, households can visit http://www.energyassistance.nj.gov/ or contact an authorized local community action agency, community-based organization, or outreach agency in their county for assistance.

“The LIHEAP program provides invaluable assistance to thousands of New Jersey’s households seeking help with home energy bills so they can pay for other necessities such as food, housing, and medical expenses,” said Commissioner Suárez. “Assistance is still available and we urge income-eligible residents who have not yet applied to submit their LIHEAP application by the June 30 deadline.”

DCA’s Division of Housing and Community Resources administers the LIHEAP program, which is a federally funded initiative that helps qualifying low and moderate-income residents with their heating and cooling bills and makes provisions for emergency heating system services and emergency fuel assistance.

To be eligible for LIHEAP benefits, a household must be responsible for home heating or cooling costs, either directly or included in the rent; and have gross income at or below 60% of the State Median Income. For cooling costs, they must also show a medical necessity.

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. The USF Program helps low-income households pay for their electric and natural gas costs. LIHEAP-eligible households may also be eligible to receive USF assistance.

To be eligible for USF, a household’s gross income must be at or below 60% of the State Median Income, (please refer to income guidelines listed below), and pay more than 2% of its annual income for electricity, or more than 2% for natural gas. If a household has electric heat, it must spend more than 4% of its annual income on electricity to be eligible. For more information about USF, households can call 1-800-510-3102.

Maximum monthly gross income eligibility levels are listed in the chart below.

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).