AWCA Resource Center
AWCA Resource Center

Financial Assistance

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program that helps low-income households pay for heating and cooling costs. This program provides assistance with heating and cooling costs, emergency energy crisis support, and medically necessary cooling assistance.

In New Jersey, LIHEAP is administered by the Department of Community Affairs, and residents can access these federal benefits through local partners like Greater Bergen Community Action GBCA).

Eligibility (for Bergen County, NJ)

  • Reside in Bergen County
  • Income Requirement: Household gross income must be at or below 60% of the New Jersey State Median Income (SMI). (e.g., $8,217 or less per month for a family of 4, FFY2027). Application period: October 1, 2026–June 30, 2027. Please visit the NJ DCA website for details.
  • Utility Status: Households that pay for their own heating or cooling costs directly, or pay for them as part of their rent. (Note: Residents of public housing or those receiving rental assistance who do not pay for their own heating/cooling are generally excluded).
  • Meet other specific requirements depending on the assistance program

How to Apply

Residents in Bergen County should apply through GBCA. Applications are available for download on GBCA website.
  • Offline: Download the form from the GBCA website and submit it via email, mail, or in person.
  • Online: DCAid
  • Email: LIHEAP@GreaterBergen.org
  • Mail: Greater Bergen LIHEAP
    • 505 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Suite 300 Hackensack, NJ 07601
  • In-Person(Drop Box): 392 Main Street Hackensack, NJ 07601
  • Contact: (201) 488-5100

Required Documentation

  • Completed Application Form (Available on the GBCA website)
  • Applicant’s Photo ID
  • Proof of Income for all household members aged 18 and older: Recent pay stubs or pension statements (statements showing gross amount or Form 1099).
  • Unemployment Benefit Recipients: A200 printout (issued at 60 State Street, Hackensack, NJ).
  • Full-time Students (Aged 18 or older): Class schedule (showing credits) and/or Enrollment Verification Letter.
  • Financial Support Verification Letter: For those receiving financial assistance from family or friends (if applicable).
  • Recent Income Tax Return or a Statement of Non-Filing.
  • Proof of Government Benefits (e.g., SSA, SSI, SSD).
  • Social Security Cards for all household members.
  • Proof of Legal Residency: Copy of Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). If you do not have a Resident Card, submit a copy of your passport along with a Statement of Non-Possession of a Social Security Number.
  • Most Recent Utility Bill
  • Proof of Homeownership or Lease/Rental Agreement.
  • Cooling Assistance Applicants: Must submit an original Doctor’s Certification Form.
  • Section 8 Recipients: Must submit an additional Housing Letter.
  • Homeowners with Rental Income: Must submit an additional Rental Income Form.

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Financial Assistance