The utility wants customers being squeezed by the economy to know there is help available to pay winter heating bills
Nov. 9, 2009 (PR Newswire) --
NEWARK, N.J., Nov. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- PSE&G is urging its customers to see if they are eligible for help to pay their winter heating bills. Those who recently lost their jobs, or are now working fewer hours because of the economic downturn, may now qualify for assistance programs.
The federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has allocated $177 million to New Jersey to help low income households pay their winter heating bills. Individuals and families may now apply; applications will be accepted until April 30, 2010. Those who received LIHEAP benefits last year are urged to complete the recertification application to ensure they receive benefits this year as well.
During this period of major economic uncertainty, we expect that many more households will be able to participate in the program for the first time.
"LIHEAP benefits are based on last month's income, so people who did not qualify for the program previously might now be able to take advantage of these essential benefits," said Joseph A. Forline, PSE&G vice president for customer operations. "We are partnering with state government and community based organizations in an extensive effort to ensure that much needed assistance reaches every person eligible to receive it."
New Jersey's LIHEAP program ranks eighth in the nation in terms of dollars available to help at-risk utility customers. LIHEAP will once again be fully funded, allowing the income eligibility levels to stay at 225% of the federal poverty level. That means a family of four with a monthly income at or below $4,135 may be eligible.
Refer to the chart below for income eligibility.
LIHEAP INCOME GUIDELINES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010
Monthly Gross Monthly Gross
Household Size Income Household Size Income
1 $2,031 7 $6,239
2 $2,732 8 $6,940
3 $3,434 9 $7,641
4 $4,135 10 $8,342
5 $4,836 11 $8,942
6 $5,537 12 $9,125
To determine eligibility for household sizes greater than 12,
add $182 for each additional member.
PSE&G customers can pick up an application at one of PSE&G's 16 customer service centers. Locations and hours are listed on customer bills.
