Home Energy Assistance Available to Eligible Mercer County Residents

Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes reminds residents that help is available for energy costs for those who qualify. 

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) allows those 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 runs from 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; and have gross income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. An eligibility chart can be found here

“For many households, winter brings worry about the cost of heating and other energy bills,” said Hughes. “As this year’s program gets under way, I also urge our residents to look into simple ways they can reduce their energy costs such as using fluorescent light bulbs and weather-stripping doors and windows.”

Clients may register at the McDade Administration Building, 640 South Broad St., Trenton, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Wednesdays until 6 p.m. through April 30, 2014. 

Clients may also drop by County Connection, Route 33 at Paxson Avenue, Hamilton. on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon by appointment only, and Saturdays, Oct. 12, Oct. 26, Nov. 9 and Nov. 23, from 10 a.m. to noon.

Hughes urges people to be extremely careful if using an alternative heat source, such as fireplace, wood burning stove, kerosene heater or space heater, to reduce energy costs. 

Last year’s clients should have received a recertification form within the first week of the heating season, which began on Oct. 1, 2013. New clients, as well as returning clients, can contact Home Energy Assistance at (609) 989-6858 or 989-6959.