Applications for New Jersey's LIHEAP and USF, which help low-income households pay heating bills, opened Oct. 1. Applications are accepted through June 30 of next year, on a first-come, first-served basis. A household of four qualifies with monthly income of $8,217 or less, or annual income of $98,602 or less. New York's HEAP opens in early to mid-November. The cutoff for a household of four is $6,852 a month, and last season's basic benefit ranged from $21 to the $900s, depending on the type of heating fuel.
It is easy to hear that heating costs are going up and move on, but there is money available if you apply. This is a government program that helps low-income households pay for heating. New Jersey began accepting applications today, Oct. 1.
Heating costs this winter are expected to average $1,449 in the Northeast. For homes that use heating oil, the price per gallon is up more than 30% from a year ago. The aid does not arrive as one large payment, but it is usually credited directly to your account with the supplier, reducing your bill by that amount.
New Jersey — Oct. 1 through June 30 of next year
New Jersey handles two programs with a single application. One is LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program), which helps with heating and cooling costs. The other is USF (Universal Service Fund), which cuts up to $200 a month from electric and gas bills, excluding heating, when they exceed a set percentage of income.
The income limit is 60% of the state median income. For a household of four, that means pre-tax income of up to $8,217 a month, or $98,602 a year. The threshold is higher than many people expect, so a good number of households may qualify, especially in a year when self-employment income has dropped. You can apply online at energyassistance.nj.gov or visit the designated agency in your county of residence. For inquiries, call 1-800-510-3102.
Applications are accepted through June 30 next year, but on a first-come, first-served basis. Once funding runs out, the program closes even if time remains, so if you think you may qualify, it is better to apply early.
New York — Opens in early to mid-November
In New York, the program is called HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program). The regular benefit usually opens in early to mid-November and runs throughout the winter. Last season, it closed on April 10.
The benefit amount varies by heating fuel and housing type. Based on last season, subsidized housing where heat is included in the rent received about $21, while households using heating oil, kerosene or propane could receive in the $900s, plus additional amounts. Homes heated with electricity or gas fall somewhere in between. For inquiries, call 1-800-342-3009. Apply through your county's department of social services or the state's online portal.
Separate from the regular benefit, there is also emergency aid. It is for those whose heat has been shut off or who have received a shutoff notice, or whose heating oil tank is empty, and you can apply for it even if you have already received the regular benefit. However, emergency applications are usually accepted after the regular benefit opens, so if an urgent situation arises before November, calling your county directly is faster.
What to bring, and one misconception
The paperwork is largely the same. You will need proof of identity and Social Security numbers (or substitute numbers) for all household members, recent proof of income, proof of current address, and heating and electric bills. Even if heat is included in your rent, you may still be eligible, so it helps to bring a copy of your lease. Both homeowners and renters qualify.
There is one misconception. This program is different in nature from cash welfare benefits that can count against applicants in a public charge review. Still, circumstances can differ depending on each person's immigration status, so if you are concerned, it is safer to check with an immigration attorney or a Korean community counseling organization before applying. In both states, county agencies and community organizations help with applications free of charge, and you can request a Korean interpreter.