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News & Information

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

Release Date: December 18, 2018
Residents who find themselves in need and who meet the income guidelines can apply for a federally-funded, state-administered program that provides an annual grant for heating assistance.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Universal Service Fund (USF) Assistance for Sussex County Residents in Need

LIHEAP Logo

With the winter season approaching, county residents may need financial assistance to heat their homes. Residents who find themselves in need and who meet the income guidelines can apply for a federally-funded, state-administered program that provides an annual grant for heating assistance. Titled the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and run by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, this program provides grants to eligible households for heating costs which include electric, natural gas, oil and other deliverable fuels. Eligible households include those that pay for heating directly or have heating costs included in their rent. A household's gross income must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level in order to qualify. For persons age 60 or over, or those who are disabled, applications may be received and returned by mail. The application period is from October 1, 2018 through August 31, 2019.

Applicants for 2019 LIHEAP funding will also be screened for another program titled the Universal Service Fund Program (USF). Created by the State of New Jersey, this program assists low-income households with their electric and natural gas bills. A household must have a gross income at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Level and pay more than 3% of its annual income for electric, or more than 3% for natural gas. If a household has electric heat, it must spend more than 6% of its annual income on electricity to be eligible.

To receive more information about these above listed programs and obtain an application, contact NORWESCAP at (973) 383-6020 or (908) 454-4778. For further information, you can also visit www.energyassistance.nj.gov external link and click on "energy assistance programs."

Maximum Monthly Gross Income Eligibility Levels
FFY 2019 - LIHEAP and USF

Household Size LIHEAP Program USF Program
1 $2,024 $1,771
2 $2,744 $2,401
3 $3,464 $3,031
4 $4,184 $3,661
5 $4,904 $4,291
6 $5,624 $4,921
7 $6,344 $5,551
8 $7,064 $6,181
9 $7,784 $6,811
10 $8,162 $7,441
11 $8,332 $8,071
12 $8,502 $8,701
If more than 12, add: $170 for each person $630 for each person