The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has announced the opening of the application period for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for the fall 2024 to winter 2025 season. Residents can now apply for LIHEAP and other assistance programs that help pay utility bills.
"Access to basic services, such as heating and electricity, is essential to maintaining a safe and healthy home," said Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. "The LIHEAP program is important because it helps people pay their utility bills, especially during periods of economic hardship. No family should have to choose between keeping warm and having the lights on and putting food on the table."
LIHEAP is one of several aid programs offered by DCA to support needy households in New Jersey, providing basic resources like housing and heating to promote long-term physical well-being. These programs include LIHEAP, a federal aid program for households with income at or below 60% of the state median income ($7,676 per month for a family of four), covering energy costs such as electricity, gas, deliverable fuels, and those included in rent. The Universal Service Fund (USF) program provides monthly credits on electricity and gas bills for households with income at or below 60% of the state median income ($92,108 annually for a family of four). To qualify for USF assistance, a household must spend more than 2% of its annual income on electric or natural gas service; if using electric heat, more than 4% must be spent on electricity.
Households can visit the DCAid portal at www.nj.gov/dca/dcaid to apply for LIHEAP or other aid programs. The portal features a tool allowing residents to check eligibility for other subsidies. Those without internet access can call 1-800-510-3102 to connect with community action agencies partnered with DCA to register, complete, and submit an online application. A list of community organizations providing this assistance is available on DCA's website: https://www.nj.gov/dca/dhcr/offices/pdf/LIHEAP_Agencies%20updated.pdf.
Applications are reviewed continuously and assistance is granted on a first-come-first-served basis; applicants are encouraged not to delay submission.
The Division of Housing and Community Resources within DCA aims to strengthen neighborhoods through affordable housing delivery and support services while providing financial and technical assistance to municipalities, community action agencies, and non-profit organizations for community development projects enhancing residents' quality of life.
DCA offers various programs spanning local government administration and finance, affordable housing development, fire prevention, building safety planning and community development recovery disaster mitigation historical preservation information privacy.
For more information about DCA visit https://nj.gov/dca/ or follow them on social media.
