2009/2010 HEATING ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

(Income limits have been increased for the 2009/2010 heating season)

LIHEAP (Low Income Heating Assistance Program) & USF (Universal Services Fund)

LIHEAP is a program designed to help low-income families and individuals meet home Oil heating and medically necessary cooling costs.  This includes some weatherization and heater repairs.  LIHEAP Funds are sent directly to the customer, one, sometimes two times a year.  The customer turns these monies over to us to be applied to their account.

Application Period:  November 1, 2009 through March 31, 2010 (LIHEAP, USF, AND Weatherization)

USF and Weatherization Only application period:  April 1st through October 31st. The LIHEAP Benefit Amount is determined by income, household size, fuel type, and heating region. USF is a program created by the State of NJ to help make Natural Gas and Electric bills more affordable for low income households.

The Weatherization Program can help with replacement of broken windows, attic insulation, etc.

Note:  The 2009/2010 LIHEAP application is also an application for the USF & Weatherization.  You are applying for three benefit programs at the same time.

• Burlington County Residents can call 609-835-4329 for additional information.
• Camden County Residents can call 856-910-1180 for additional information.
• Information can also be obtained online at www.state.nj.us/dca/divisions/dhcr. Follow the link for Energy Assistance Programs.

NJ SHARES PROGRAM

NJ SHARES is an energy assistance program that assists those people who do not otherwise qualify for utility bill assistance through traditional methods.  NJ SHARES helps households with a temporary financial hardship that could have resulted from a job loss, an illness or other misfortune.  NJ Shares eligibility is also household income based, but at a higher income level than LIHEAP.  They will pay for a one time fuel delivery of up to $700.00.

Where to apply:Through the Burlington County Community Action Program (BCAP), phone 609-835-4329

Through the Camden County Council on Economic Opportunity, phone 856-910-1180

Eligibility is determined by the NJ SHARES staff based on individual need.  These funds are available year round. Additional information and local application sites can be found online at www.njshares.org.  Or you can call NJ Shares toll free number 1-866-657-4273

CITIZENS ENERGY/CITGO OIL HEAT PROGRAM 2009/2010

Those Eligible: For low income households who can not afford their fuel oil or kerosene. Note: You must call  1-877-563-4645 to pre-register your intent to utilize the program.

Program Term :January 12, 2010 through February 26, 2010 (or longer if funds are still available)

Product Description: #2 Heating Oil & Kerosene

Assistance Provided: A One-Time delivery of up to 100 gallons.  Citizen’s Energy will pay for the entire delivery.

How to apply for this program: You must call the toll free customer service # 1-877-JOE-4-OIL (1-877-563-4645)The application period is limited to January 12, 2010 through February 26, 2010, as long as funds are available.