Community Corner

Home Energy Assistance Available For Mercer County Residents

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), helps qualifying families and individuals with energy bills.

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ — Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes on Wednesday said assistance is available for energy costs for qualifying county families, beginning Oct. 1.

The county’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), helps low-income families and individuals meet home heating and medically necessary cooling costs.

The application period is Oct. 1 to July 31, 2021. The county will continue accepting applications for the Universal Service Fund (USF) Program throughout the year.

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“The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have created financial hardships for many households that now have to worry about the cost of heating and other energy bills,” Hughes said in a statement.

Residents who pay their own heating costs, and meet the income guidelines, will be eligible to receive financial assistance with their winter heating bill. Those with medical conditions also may be eligible to receive assistance.

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Click here to access the eligibility chart: http://www.mercercounty.org/departments/housing-community-development/housing-and-community-development-programs

“I urge our low-income residents to visit our website or contact the county housing office to determine their eligibility to apply for energy assistance,” he said.

Applicants can visit the Mercer county Office of Housing and Community Development, 640 South Broad St., Trenton, by appointment only.

If an in-person visit is necessary, they can call 609-337-0933 or email heatingappt@mercercounty.org to schedule an appointment.

Beginning Oct. 1, the county will also temporarily begin operating an outdoor information center adjacent to the 640 South Broad St. building.

Residents can be able to drop off applications and access information from LIHEAP staff.

The county will continue to accept applications by regular mail, fax and email until July 31, 2021.

Click here for applications, forms and information: http://www.mercercounty.org/departments/housing-community-development/housing-and-community-development-programs

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