THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS IS LAUNCHING AN EFFORT TO EDUCATE SENIORS ABOUT THE ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS AVAILABLE THROUGH THE STATE AND HOW TO APPLY FOR THEM.

THE LOW INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LIHEAP) HELPS DIRECTLY PAY FOR HEATING COSTS WHILE THE UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND (USF) HELPS MAKE UTILITY BILLS AFFORDABLE BY PROVIDING A MONTHLY CREDIT ON ELECTRIC OR NATURAL GAS BILLS OR BOTH.  RECEIVING ASSISTANCE FROM EITHER OF THESE PROGRAMS WILL NOT AFFECT THE LIFELINE BENEFIT SOME SENIORS ALREADY RECEIVE.  IN FACT, QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS CAN RECEIVE ALL THREE!

THERE IS ONE APLICATION FOR BOTH USF AND LIHEAP WHICH YOU CAN DOWNLOAD AT http://www.nj.gov/dca/dcr/hea/index.shtml .  THE INSTRUCTIONS COVER HOW TO COMPLETE THE APPLICATION AND WHERE TO SEND IT.  THERE IS AN APPLICATION DEADLINE OF MARCH 31, 2007.  APPLICANTS CAN CALL DCA DIRECTLY AT 800-510-3102 WITH QUESTIONS ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS.