Home Energy Assistance Available to Eligible Mercer Residents

 

Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes is reminding residents that assistance is available for energy costs for those who qualify. The County’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), offered in coordination with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, allows individuals meeting various income qualifications to apply for bill payment assistance, energy crisis assistance and energy-related home repairs. LIHEAP is designed to help low-income families and individuals meet home heating and medically necessary cooling costs. This year, the application period is Oct. 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022. To be eligible for LIHEAP benefits, the applicant household must be responsible for home heating or cooling costs, either directly or included in the rent; and have gross income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. An eligibility chart can be found on the Mercer County website. “For many households, winter brings worry about the cost of heating and other energy bills, and Mercer County is here to help,” Mr. Hughes said. “As this year’s program gets under way, I also urge our residents to look into simple ways they can reduce their energy costs such as using energy-efficient lighting and weather-stripping doors and windows.” Applications, forms and information can be found on the Office of Housing and Community Development's programs page on the County website. The County will continue to accept applications up until the deadline of June 30, 2022 by regular mail, fax, email and drop-offs. • Mail to County of Mercer LIHEAP/USF Programs, 640 S. Broad St., Room 106, PO Box 8068, Trenton, NJ 08650 • Fax to 609-278-2758 • Email housing@mercercounty.org • Drop off at Mercer County Administration Building, 640 S. Broad St., Trenton If an in-person appointment is necessary, clients can call 609-337-0933 or email heatingappt@mercercounty.org to schedule an appointment at the County Administration Building, 640 S. Broad St., Trenton, or Mercer County Connection, Hamilton Square Shopping Center, 957 Highway 33 at Paxson Avenue, Hamilton. For more information, contact Home Energy Assistance at 609-989-6959 (Spanish: 609-989-6736).