Mercer County officials want to remind residents that assistance is available for energy costs for those who qualify.
TRENTON —Mercer County officials want to remind residents that assistance is available for energy costs for those who qualify.
The county’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program 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, 2013, to April 30, 2014. 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.
In addition, the applicant must have gross income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level.
Clients may register at the McDade Administration Building, 640 South Broad St., Trenton, between Monday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Wednesdays until 6 p.m. through April 30, 2014.
This year for the first time, clients may also be served during specific hours at County Connection, Route 33 at Paxson Avenue in Hamilton. County Connection hours will be Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon by appointment only, and Saturdays, Oct. 12 and 26 and Nov. 9 and 23, from 10 a.m. to noon.
Last year’s clients should receive a recertification form within the first week of the heating season, which begins on Oct. 1, 2013.
New clients, as well as returning clients, can contact Home Energy Assistance at 609-989-6858 or 609-989-6959. Funds are administered in conjunction with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, and funding levels are established annually.