Need Help Paying Utilities? Bloomfield Officials Share Resources

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the Township of Bloomfield. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

The Township of Bloomfield wants its residents to be aware of a variety of assistance programs that are available in times of need and could help them prevent a utility shut-off.

“These programs are there for a reason and could result in thousands of dollars for our community, so we want to ensure our residents take full advantage of them,” said Mayor Michael Venezia. “If anyone requires assistance applying for these programs, please don’t hesitate to contact our wonderful staff at the Bloomfield Department of Human Services.”

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has a variety of programs that can help you with utility bills, rent and removal of lead hazards from your home. Visit their website at https://www.state.nj.us/bpu/assistance/programs/, and use the anonymous "DCAid" screening tool to determine if you are eligible for assistance and for more information on how to apply.

Some of their programs include the New Jersey Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP), which is a temporary grant that provides forgiveness of overdue water and sewer balances, or the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), which helps New Jersey households pay for heating costs and certain medically-necessary cooling expenses.

Call the Bloomfield Department of Human Services at (973) 680-4017 for more information about any of the above programs, have any questions, or experience difficulty applying.

Individuals or families experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness can contact their county social service agency for assistance at www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/, call 2-1-1, or visit NJ211.org.

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