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Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP and USF) | Mercer County Housing and Community Development

640 Broad St, Trenton, NJ 08611

Eligibility
LIHEAP applicant household must be responsible for home heating or cooling costs, either directly or included in the rent, and have gross income at or below 60% of the NJ State Median Income level. USF applicant household must have gross income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level, and must pay more than 2% of annual income on electricity or more than 2% on natural gas - or, if electric heat, more than 4% on electricity. Recipients must reside at the address provided on their utility account, and USF benefits will only be offered to the person/head of household listed on the utility account
Required documents
Application form, Social Security number/proof of citizenship, Driver's license/proof of address, Current utility bills/debts, Proof of income/employment/Unemployment benefits, proof of home ownership/rental lease (e.g. rental agreement, Section 8 housing voucher)
Hours
Mon - Thurs 8:30 am - 4:00 pm Meal Break 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Fri. 8:30 am - 3:00 pm
609-989-6959
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Application process
Complete an application, which can be obtained by contacting the Application Agency or a downloading online. Completed applications should be returned in-person to the Application Agency, unless the applicant is over the age of 60, or a mail accommodation is otherwise granted. Call the application agency to set up an appointment.
Fees
None
Service area
Mercer County, NJ

Assist low-income households in managing energy costs and maintaining safe, affordable utility service through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Universal Service Fund (USF).

LIHEAP Overview

Assists with heating and medically necessary cooling costs during designated program periods. Provides regular seasonal benefits and may offer emergency assistance for households facing shut-off or fuel shortages. Payments are typically made directly to the utility company or fuel supplier, ensuring continuity of service.Available to both homeowners and renters who meet income and residency requirements.

USF Overview

Offers monthly credits on electric and/or gas bills to reduce ongoing energy costs. Designed for households that spend a significant portion of their income on energy. Helps prevent service interruptions and promotes long-term affordability.

Providing organization
Mercer County Housing and Community Development
Administers programs designed to address the diverse affordable housing and community development needs. The various programs also provide financial and technical assistance to low and moderate-income families and individuals, local non-profit organizations and constituent municipalities.