TRENTON, N.J. — Applications are now open for a state-administered program that helps eligible New Jersey households pay home heating and medically necessary cooling costs, the Department of Community Affairs announced.
Applications for the federal fiscal year 2027 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, opened Oct. 1 and will be accepted through June 30, 2027.
Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis while funding remains available, and the DCA is encouraging eligible households to apply as soon as possible.
“DCA understands that energy costs can place a significant strain on household budgets, particularly as the colder months approach,” said DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. “We encourage eligible New Jersey residents to apply for LIHEAP and learn about the other utility assistance programs available to help make their energy costs more manageable.”
LIHEAP is a federally funded program that assists low-income families and individuals with home heating and medically necessary cooling costs.
| FFY2027 LIHEAP AND USF INCOME LIMITS | ||
| Household # | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4,273 | $51,273 |
| 2 | $5,587 | $67,049 |
| 3 | $6,902 | $82,825 |
| 4 | $8,217 | $98,602 |
| 5 | $9,532 | $114,378 |
| 6 | $10,846 | $130,154 |
| 7 | $11,093 | $133,112 |
| 8 | $11,339 | $136,070 |
| 9 | $11,586 | $139,028 |
| 10 | $11,832 | $141,986 |
| 11 | $12,079 | $144,944 |
| 12 | $12,325 | $147,903 |
To qualify, a household must be responsible for heating or cooling costs, either directly or as part of its rent, and have a gross household income at or below 60% of the state median income.
For households with more than 12 members, the monthly income limit increases by $246 for each additional household member, while the annual income limit increases by $2,952 for each additional member.
The amount of a LIHEAP heating benefit is determined by household income and size, fuel type and heating region. The medically necessary cooling assistance benefit for fiscal year 2027 is $300.
In addition to LIHEAP, the DCA administers the Universal Service Fund, or USF, which helps make natural gas and electric bills more affordable for eligible low-income households. The LIHEAP application also serves as an application for USF, allowing eligible households to apply for both programs through a single application.
Residents can apply for energy assistance online at https://www.energyassistance.nj.gov or contact an authorized local agency in their county for help with the application process.
Residents age 60 or older or those who have a disability may receive and return applications by mail. They may also request a home visit from the agency in their county of residence if needed. Other households may be permitted to apply by mail at the discretion of the local agency.
For more information about LIHEAP or USF or to locate the nearest application agency, residents can call 1-800-510-3102 or email utilityhelp@nj211.org or USFHEA-application@dca.nj.gov.
Additional information, including income guidelines and local agency contacts, is available at https://www.nj.gov/dca/dhcr/offices/hea.shtml.
The DCA is encouraging people who may be eligible to apply as soon as possible because LIHEAP assistance is subject to available funding.
