HEAP/USF Application Season Opening

The Low Income Home Energy Program (LIHEAP) and Universal Service Fund (USF) help families meet electric, gas, and medically necessary cooling costs. The application season for these programs is now open.

What: HEAP provides a one-time annual benefit to assist with heating costs. The benefit is based on your family size, heating type, and household income. USF provides a monthly credit on gas and electric bills.

When: HEAP applications will be accepted from October 1 through June 30. USF applications will be accepted through mid-August.

Who Qualifies: New Jersey residents with monthly gross income below 60% of the State Median Income (SMI). See the chart below for current income limits.

How:

1. Complete the HEAP/USF application form.

   • New Applicants: Download the application, documentation requirements, and instructions for submission here.
   • Returning Applicants: If you did not receive a recertification packet by mail you can download the recertification packet here.

2. Gather all required documents listed on pages 2-3. Do not submit incomplete applications. Applications that are missing documents will not be processed.

3. Submit your application to your county’s processing agency:

   • Ocean County Residents: Bring the completed application with all required documents to the LRRC. We will submit complete applications to Ocean Inc. on a weekly basis. The LRRC will accept applications on Tuesdays from 9:15 am - 12:00 pm and from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm.
   • Monmouth County Residents: E-mail your completed application to [email protected]. You can visit the LRRC on Tuesdays from 9:15 am - 12:00 pm and from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm to have an LRRC caseworker review your application before submitting it.

Further Information:

If you have any questions, you can schedule a call through our automated scheduling system at 732-523-1789, or e-mail [email protected]