LIHEAP FY 2009 Funding
$166,690,291 - regular block grant
$19,082,949 - emergency contingency funds
LIHEAP Income Eligibility Level 225% Federal Poverty Level
LIHEAP FY 2008 Benefit Heating: $115minimum, $326 average, $1,138 maximum
Cooling: $100 flat benefit for medically necessary cooling
LIHEAP Households Served (Estimate for FY 2006 Heating)
155,914
LIHEAP Program Dates
Heating and Cooling: November 1 - April 30
Crisis: November 1 - April 30
State
Low-Income Rate Assistance
Lifeline Assistance Program
Funded from the New Jersey general fund, Lifeline provides a credit on electric or natural gas bills of $225 per year to disabled and senior homeowners and tenants. Beneficiaries of Medical Assistance to the Aged, Medical Assistance Only, or New Jersey Care, are sent Lifeline applications automatically every August. Supplemental Security Income recipients receive Lifeline automatically. Eligibility: must meet income eligibility guidelines and be 65 years or older or at least 18 years of age and receiving
Social Security Disability benefits.
1-800-792-9745
Universal Service Fund
In June 2004, New Jersey’s Board of Public Utilities (BPU) approved funding for the state’s 2004-2005 Universal Service Fund (USF) low-income energy assistance program, which began in October 2003. The USF will fund a fixed credit percentage of income payment plan under which participants will be required to pay no more than six percent of their annual income toward electric and gas bills. New Jersey electric and gas customers whose household income is equal to or less than 175 percent of the federal poverty level are eligible for the program.
1-866-240-1347
www.state.nj.us/dca/dcr/
Low-Income Energy Efficiency
New Jersey Comfort Partners
A residential low-income program provided by PSE&G, Jersey Central Power & Light, Atlantic City Electric (Conectiv), Rockland Electric Company, New Jersey Natural Gas, Elizabethtown Gas and South Jersey Gas through the Societal Benefits Charge created under New Jersey's restructuring legislation. Energy efficiency measures include: efficient lighting products, hot water conservation measures, refrigerator replacement, programmable thermostats, insulation upgrades, air sealing, duct sealing and repair, and heating/cooling equipment maintenance, repair and/or replacement. Energy education and counseling and arrearage forgiveness for participants who agree to payment plans are included. Eligibility: Income at or below 175 percent of federal poverty guidelines or customers who receive Lifeline, LIHEAP, TANF, SSI, and PAAD, General Welfare Assistance, and Section 8 Housing Assistance. www.njcleanenergy.com/html/1residential/4_comfort_partners.html
Please note these charitable funds are last resort emergency funds with limited resources and limited times of operation.
New Jersey SHARES (Statewide Heating Assistance and Referral for Energy Services)
A statewide, year-round independent energy fund for individuals and families living in New Jersey who are in need of temporary help in paying their energy bills. Eligibility: Non-welfare recipient energy customers who are experiencing a financial crisis, have exhausted all other available sources of assistance and have demonstrated a good faith effort to pay their energy bills .
1-866-NJ SHARE (1-866-657-4273) www.njshares.org/
New Jersey Natural Gas
Gift of Warmth
Provides natural gas cost assistance to low income customers and those in temporary financial distress. NJNG customers can check with their local CAAs for information on eligibility for this fuel fund. This program is administered by the United Way through local Community Action Program (CAP) agencies.
Middlesex County -
732-828-4541
Monmouth County -
732-502-8855 or 732-775-4442
Morris County - Organization for Hispanic Affairs, Inc. 973-366-1131
Ocean County - Ocean, Inc.
732-244-9041
www.njng.com/customer-center/payment-options/payment-assistance.asp
