Home crisis with paying your heating bills?

The Raritan Valley YMCA and The Middlesex County Office of Aging & Disabled Services have teamed up to provide a robust public awareness campaign for seniors. If you or your a family member is in need of home energy assistance, please review the below list of energy assistance programs available in New Jersey. All programs have specific criteria to meet in order to qualify, so for further details call or follow the links.

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)LIHEAP is a federally funded program providing energy grants to low income households. The program is available from October 1 – April 30. The amount of the benefit will be determined by income and household size. For more information call 1-800-510-3102 or click here for more information.

Universal Service FundUSF is available to NJ utility customers with household income equal to or less than 175% of the FPL and who pay more than 6% of their annual income for their natural gas and electric services combined. USF is available year round and applications are accepted any time of the year. For more information call 1-800-510-3102 or click here for more information.

NJSHARESNJ SHARES assists New Jersey residents who do not qualify for LIHEAP, USF and whose income does not exceed 400% of the FPL. Eligibility is determined by income and household size; applicants must have fallen behind on their energy bills due to a temporary financial crisis. This program is available year round based on funding availability. To identify an intake agency in your area call the toll free energy assistance hotline at 1-866-NJSHARES or click here for more information.

Lifeline ProgramLifeline is a program that offers a $225 energy benefit to persons who meet the PAAD eligibility requirements or who receive SSI. This includes utility customers as well as tenants whose utility bills are included in their rent. Click here for PAAD / Lifeline applications.

Weatherization Assistance Program

The Weatherization Assistance Program assists low-income households with improving heating system efficiency and conserving energy. Click here for more information.

Comfort PartnersThis Program provides installation of free energy efficiency measures, personalized customer energy education and counseling for income eligible households. For more information click here or call 1-800-915-8309.

PAGE (Payment Assistance Gas and Electric)The annual PAGE Grant assistance is intended for low to moderate income New Jersey residents who are struggling to pay their electric and natural gas bills. The maximum grant is $700 for electric and $700 for gas service, depending on your balance owed. Click here for more information.

Should you need to review county assistance opportunites please visit:
http://www.middlesexcountynj.g...
or call the Raritan Valley YMCA at 732-257-4114. The Y can also help with your personal exercise and wellness needs. Visit the Y at 144 Tices Lane in East Brunswick or online atwww.raritanvalleyymca.org