RELEASE: June 1, 2000

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Gov. Christie Whitman and Human Services Commissioner Michele K. Guhl today announced that the deadline for applications to the state Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) program has been extended from May 31 to June 30.

The extension applies to the thousands of low-income, New Jersey residents who may be eligible for financial help with their heating bills under the program as well as a group of older and disabled people at a higher income level who were made elgible for special benefits this year because of the sharp increase in oil prices. The extension would enable people who paid increased heating costs this winter to recoup those costs.

LIHEAP is a federally-funded program administered by the Departments of Human Services and Community Affairs which provides subsidies every winter to help low income families pay for home heating costs. Households with incomes of 150 percent or less of the federal poverty level are eligible -- that is an individual with an annual income of $12,360 or less; a family of two with an annual income of $16,590 or less or a family of three with an annual income of $20,820.

"In light of the large number of additional people made eligible this year and the sharp increase in heating bills people experienced this winter, we felt we wanted to extend the deadline one more month to give everyone a chance to apply," said Governor Whitman.

This winter Gov. Christie Whitman expanded the eligibility of the LIHEAP program so that 90,000 low income senior and disabled citizens would qualify for a special, one-time benefits. To be eligible, an individual must have an annual income between $12,360 and $18,588; and couples an annual income between $16,596 and $22,800. They must also pay for their own heating bills.

LIHEAP applications are handled by the Department of Community Affairs through designated community agencies in each county. For information on where to apply, New Jersey residents can call DCA's information line at 1-800-510-3102.

Note to Editors: Attached is a list of agencies in your area where information and applications can be obtained and filed. Please localize this release to include the local agency or agencies in your circulation area.