“Hope grows when we take the next step together.”

As cooler weather approaches, New Jersey families can begin preparing for the winter heating season. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, commonly called LIHEAP, helps eligible households manage home heating costs and maintain a safe, comfortable home.

Applications for the upcoming LIHEAP season are accepted from October 1 through June 30. Because assistance is available on a first-come, first-served basis while funds last, applying early is one of the most important steps you can take.

This guide explains who may qualify, how to apply, what documents to prepare, and where to find additional support. If you need help understanding your options, Family ReBuild of New Jersey can help you connect with community resources and family assistance programs in New Jersey.

What Is LIHEAP?

LIHEAP is a New Jersey energy assistance program that helps eligible households with home heating and cooling costs. Support may be available whether you pay a utility or fuel supplier directly or your rent includes heating costs.

The program is designed to help families, older adults, people with disabilities, and other households with limited income maintain essential home energy service. Applying for LIHEAP can be an important part of preparing for winter and protecting your household’s comfort and well-being.

New Jersey’s LIHEAP application is also connected with the Universal Service Fund, or USF. Depending on your circumstances, one application may help determine whether you qualify for more than one energy assistance program.

When Can New Jersey Families Apply?

The LIHEAP application period runs from:

October 1 through June 30

For the upcoming winter season, families should consider gathering their information now so they are ready to apply when the application period opens.

LIHEAP assistance is first-come, first-served. This means eligible households are encouraged to submit a complete application as early as possible. Waiting until the coldest part of winter may reduce the time available for review and may create additional stress if program funds become limited.

Applying early does not guarantee approval. However, it gives your household more time to provide documents, answer questions, and address any missing information.

Who May Qualify for LIHEAP?

To qualify for New Jersey LIHEAP, a household generally must meet two key requirements:

1. Gross household income is at or below 60% of the New Jersey State Median Income.
2. The household is responsible for home heating costs, either directly or through rent.

“Gross household income” means income before taxes or other deductions. The income guidelines depend on household size and are updated by the state. When you apply, provide accurate income information for everyone in your household as requested.

You may be responsible for heating costs if:

• You pay a utility company directly.
• You pay a fuel supplier directly.
• Your rent includes heat.
• A household member is listed as responsible for the heating bill.

Some housing situations have additional rules. For example, households receiving rental assistance or living in public housing may need to pay heating costs directly to a fuel supplier to qualify. The application process or a local agency can help explain how the rules apply to your situation.

If you are unsure whether your household qualifies, you can still seek guidance before deciding not to apply.

How to Apply for New Jersey LIHEAP

Apply Online Through DCAid

The fastest option for many families is the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs’ online DCAid portal:

Apply online through energyassistance.nj.gov

Follow the instructions to create or access your application. Be prepared to enter information about your household, income, residence, utility account, and heating costs.

Submit a Paper Application

You may also use a paper application through your local Community Action Agency. These agencies help residents apply for energy assistance and other family assistance programs in New Jersey.

You can find agency information and application guidance through the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs LIHEAP page and the state’s LIHEAP and USF agency list.

A local agency may be able to help you:

• Find the correct application.
• Review your documents.
• Submit a paper application.
• Access the online portal if you do not have reliable internet or computer access.
• Understand questions about your household or heating costs.

Call for Help

For help applying or to find a local agency, call the New Jersey energy assistance hotline:

1-800-510-3102

You do not have to navigate the process alone. Asking questions early can help you submit a more complete application and understand what happens next.

What Information Should You Prepare?

Having your documents ready can make the application process smoother. Requirements may vary, but applicants are commonly asked for information such as:

• Names and birth dates of household members.
• Proof of New Jersey residence.
• Gross income information for household members.
• A recent utility or fuel bill.
• Your utility account number, if applicable.
• Proof that heating is included in rent, if applicable.
• Identification or other documents requested by the application.

Keep copies of anything you submit. Write down the date you applied and save confirmation numbers, emails, or other notices.

If the agency asks for additional information, respond as soon as possible. A complete application helps the review process move forward.

What If You Need Help Before Your LIHEAP Application Is Reviewed?

LIHEAP is one resource, but it may not be the only support available to your household. If you are facing an urgent utility concern, housing disruption, or another unexpected hardship, look for additional help at the same time.

Depending on your needs, you may be able to connect with:

• Local Community Action Agencies.
• NJ 211 community information and referral services.
• Utility company payment assistance programs.
• Food and emergency resource programs.
• Local housing and homelessness prevention services.
• Financial counseling and family support organizations.

For broader information about emergency financial assistance in New Jersey, NJ 211 can help connect you with local programs. If your household is facing displacement or an urgent housing concern, you can also explore emergency housing assistance in New Jersey through state and community resources.

Family ReBuild of New Jersey can also help families connect with resources. Our nonprofit supports people who have experienced displacement or other unforeseen challenges by providing meals, emergency resources, financial assistance, and emotional counseling in a safe and supportive environment.

Learn more about Family ReBuild of New Jersey or contact our team to learn how we may help you identify next steps.

You Are Taking a Strong Step for Your Family

Applying for assistance is not a sign of failure. It is a practical step toward stability, safety, and peace of mind.

Energy support can help families focus on what matters most: caring for one another, maintaining a healthy home, and moving forward with confidence and dignity. If LIHEAP may be right for your household, mark October 1 on your calendar, gather your documents, and apply as early as possible.

Please remember:

• Applications are accepted from October 1 through June 30.
• Apply online at energyassistance.nj.gov.
• You can submit a paper application through a local Community Action Agency.
• Call 1-800-510-3102 for assistance or agency information.
• Eligibility generally requires gross household income at or below 60% of State Median Income.
• You must be responsible for home heating costs directly or through rent.
• Assistance is first-come, first-served while funds last.

How You Can Make a Difference

Every family deserves a safe and healthy home. While some families seek support, others in our community have an opportunity to help make that support possible.

You can make a difference by:

• Sharing this guide with a neighbor, friend, or family member.
• Volunteering your time or professional skills.
• Connecting families with trusted community resources.
• Supporting emergency meals, housing resources, and financial assistance.
• Donating to help Family ReBuild continue serving families in need.

Family ReBuild of New Jersey has already helped more than 750 families with food, housing, and basic necessities. With community support, we can continue helping families rebuild their lives with confidence and dignity.

Get involved with Family ReBuild or support our work. Together, we can strengthen our community and help more New Jersey families take their next step toward stability.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does New Jersey LIHEAP accept applications?

New Jersey accepts LIHEAP applications from October 1 through June 30. Applications are accepted while program funding remains available.

How do I apply for LIHEAP online?

Apply through the New Jersey DCAid portal at energyassistance.nj.gov.

Can I submit a paper LIHEAP application?

Yes. You can submit a paper application through your local Community Action Agency. Find agency information through the New Jersey LIHEAP and USF agency list.

What is the LIHEAP income limit?

Households generally must have gross income at or below 60% of New Jersey State Median Income. The specific limit depends on household size and current state guidelines.

What if heating is included in my rent?

You may still qualify if you are responsible for heating costs through your rent. The application or local agency can help determine whether your housing arrangement meets program requirements.

Who can I call for help?

Call the New Jersey energy assistance hotline at 1-800-510-3102 for help applying or to find a local agency.