By Frank Mustac, Contributor
PSE&G is reminding customers that the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is now accepting applications for the 2016- 17 heating season.
LIHEAP is a program run by the State of New Jersey Department of Community Affairs that helps low-income residents with their heating and medically-necessary cooling bills.
“Under LIHEAP, those who are income eligible may receive an average of $300 toward their heating bills,” said Greg Dunlap, PSE&G’s vice president of customer operations.
LIHEAP eligibility is based solely on last month’s household gross income and household size, according to PSE&G.
To be eligible for LIHEAP benefits, the applicant’s household gross income must meet monthly income guidelines listed on a chart available online at https://www.pseg.com/info/media/newsreleases/2016/2016-12-01.jsp .
For example, a family of four with a monthly income of $4,050 or less per month may be eligible and are urged to apply.
To receive LIHEAP assistance, customers may pay their heating costs directly, pay their landlord according to their usage, or have their heating included in their rent. Homeowners and those who rent are both eligible and are encouraged to apply.
For more information or to download a LIHEAP application or find out where to apply, visit www.pseg.com/help or call 1-800-510-3102. Applications are also available at the PSE&G’s 16 walk-in Customer Service Centers listed on a PSE&G utility bill.
Applications and copies of all requested documents must be submitted by mail or in person to the designated agency in your county by April 30, 2017.
PSE&G households who are not eligible for low income programs and are behind in their PSE&G bill can visit www.pseg.com/help for other programs like the TRUE Grant, PAGE Grant, or NJ SHARES.
Seniors over age of 65 or disabled adults collecting Social Security Title II Disability may be eligible for the New Jersey Lifeline Credit program. NJ Lifeline provides a $225 yearly credit on PSE&G bills.