While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the LIHEAP program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
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The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides assistance for energy costs to low-income households. LIHEAP is a federal program that is administered by individual states, territories, and tribes. In New Jersey, LIHEAP is administered by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.
Learn more about LIHEAP by reviewing the federal program fact sheet here.
For more information about LIHEAP in New Jersey, click here.
The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs oversees LIHEAP benefits and provides financial assistance for heating and cooling expenses to qualified households. Financial assistance can include payment for:
For more information about LIHEAP’s heating assistance initiative in New Jersey, see the New Jersey state 2022 LIHEAP Detailed Model Plan here.
LIHEAP Crisis Assistance, like standard LIHEAP benefits, is a cash grant provided to the utility companies of eligible individuals in certain situations.
If your household meets all the eligibility requirements above and has an energy-related crisis, you may qualify for LIHEAP Crisis Assistance.
The state of New Jersey defines a “crisis situation” as one where a household:
A “life-threatening crisis situation” also qualifies a household for Crisis Assistance. This occurs when:
For qualifying households, the maximum annual benefit amount for LIHEAP Crisis Assistance is a one-time payment of $1,278.
Learn more about Crisis Assistance on page 12 of the Detailed Model Plan here.
To determine the amount of energy assistance for which you are eligible, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs will consider:
Also, whether you are eligible for regular LIHEAP payments or Crisis Assistance payments will influence your maximum benefit amount.
As of 2022, the maximum annual benefit amount in New Jersey is $1,278 and the minimum annual benefit amount is $118. These amounts apply to both heating and cooling assistance.
To qualify for LIHEAP in New Jersey, you must meet the following requirements:
Learn more about the LIHEAP financial eligibility requirements in New Jersey here.
If you or a member of your family participates in the benefit programs below, then you may automatically be eligible for LIHEAP based on your income:
Eligible households can only apply for LIHEAP assistance from October 1st until June 30th each year. LIHEAP applications cannot be submitted year-round.
To apply for LIHEAP in New Jersey, complete the following three steps:
Learn what documents and information you need to complete the process on page 6 here.
Find your nearest Community Action Agency (CAA) office and contact information here.
Access the New Jersey LIHEAP application here. To submit an application by mail, fax, or email, send your completed application and verification documents to the address, fax line, or email associated with your local Community Action Agency.
Note that applications for Crisis Assistance, for households that meet the state definition of a crisis, can also be submitted until June 30th.
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact your nearest Community Action Agency (CAA) office. Find your nearest CAA office here. Or, call the Community Resource Hotline at (800) 510-3102.
When applying for New Jersey LIHEAP benefits, you will need to provide:
The state will need the following documents and information to confirm your eligibility for LIHEAP benefits:
Learn more about the documentation needed during the LIHEAP application process on page 6 here.
You can call the Community Action Agency office where you applied directly to check your application status.
Click here to find your local office and contact information.
The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs will notify you within 60 days after receiving your application if you are approved to receive benefits. All LIHEAP payments are made to the heating or energy provider directly. Benefit payments will not be sent to you.
If you are denied New Jersey LIHEAP benefits, you may request a hearing to appeal the decision within 30 days. If you are denied LIHEAP benefits, you will receive a determination notice that details why you did not qualify for LIHEAP. The notice will also include step-by-step instructions for requesting an appeal and the date that you must submit your request.
If you have questions about the appeal process, contact the Community Resource Hotline at (800) 510-3102.
If you have questions about LIHEAP benefits in New Jersey or require further assistance, contact your local Community Action Agency office. Find your nearest Community Action Agency (CAA) office and contact information here.
You can also contact the New Jersey Community Resource Hotline at 1 (800) 510-3102.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and compiled a guide that we believe is simple to use and easy to understand. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing detailed information on the process.
Our free LIHEAP Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply for LIHEAP, program eligibility and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view our free guide here.
Last Updated: February 2, 2024