As the winter days get colder, it’s tempting to bump thermostats higher. Of course, walking into a toasty, warm home is nice, but the associated costs are not so nice. Too often, homeowners find themselves in a tough financial situation as a result of high energy bills during the coldest part of the year.
Fortunately, homeowners in New Jersey – particularly those in lower income brackets – can find financial aid through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP. As noted by NJ211.org, LIHEAP is a home energy assistance program that is federally funded and “designed to help low-income families and individuals meet home heating and medically necessary cooling costs.” The assistance provided through this program is offered to applicants on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Applicants can qualify for LIHEAP benefits if they are responsible for heating and cooling their home (by paying a utility company or landlord) and have a gross income that is at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Those living in public housing are only eligible for LIHEAP assistance if they pay for their heating and cooling costs directly to the fuel supplier. The amount of assistance is determined by income, household size, fuel type, and heating region.
The application period for LIHEAP assistance runs through April 30. The application process is handled by the local application agency in your area. New applicants must provide copies of certain documentation when submitting their application, including proof of income for every member of the household age 18 or older; a verified copy of the applicant’s social security card, letter from the Social Security Administration, or social service agency; a copy of the most recent utility bill; and proof of residency.
If you are in need of energy assistance and feel you may be eligible for LIHEAP assistance, visit NJ211.org for a complete list of application requirements. Also, don’t forget that Spread the Purple is here to help, too. Visit our website or contact us so we can help you apply for the energy assistance you need.
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