RELEASE: November 1, 2005

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LIHEAP begins accepting applications for ‘05-‘06 winter
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps cover high heating costs

TRENTON — With home heating costs at sky-high rates and no expectation of a decline, Commissioner of Human Services James Davy is reminding New Jersey residents that there is help to keep warm this winter.

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally-funded, state-administered program that provides an annual grant to income-qualified people. Those whose income is 175 percent of the federal poverty level and under can qualify, that is, for example, a family of three with an annual income of $28,164 and a family of four with income of $33,864.

County agencies will accept applications for LIHEAP from today, Nov. 1, 2005 , through March 31, 2006 .

“LIHEAP is a life saver,” said Commissioner Davy. “By enrolling, a family on a very limited income will be warm this winter. Heating costs are going to be unbelievably high this year and LIHEAP can help make sure people do not have to choose between keeping warm and keeping fed.”

Last year, New Jersey received $72.4 million in federal funds for regular and emergency assistance. This served more than 156,000 families at an average $530 each. This year's allocation, however, is only 95 percent of that, or $68.5 million. This, while energy costs are estimated to rise 48 percent over last year.

In a letter to Congress, Acting Governor Richard J. Codey called for the federal government to apportion more money to New Jersey in the face of rising costs and dropping temperatures.

“We have to make sure that the families who need help receive it,” Gov. Codey said. “We have an obligation to help working families make ends meet, and through programs like LIHEAP, we are fulfilling that commitment.”

or more information on LIHEAP, including where to apply, call 1-800-510-3102, or visit www.energyassistance.nj.gov . Also, visitors to www.njhelps.org can see if they qualify for this and other assistance programs.

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