LIHEAP energy assistance grant available now.
MAYS LANDING – As the weather cools, Atlantic City Electric is encouraging residential customers to apply for energy assistance and take advantage of millions of dollars that is now available through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which began accepting applications for the current program year on Oct. 1.
Customers can receive more than $1,000 to use toward their energy bill by applying for the LIHEAP assistance programs, which is available on a first-come, first-served basis. AC Electric advised customers to apply early as funding is limited.
South Jersey residents can apply for assistance by downloading an application though the Department of Community Affairs website, contacting their local LIHEAP Agency, or by calling 800-510-3102. Residents also can access the Department of Community Affairs self-screening tool to help determine what energy assistance benefits they may qualify for.
Last year, AC Electric helped customers secure more than $5.5 million in support that was applied directly to customer energy bills.
LIHEAP provides grants in varying amounts based on a household’s income size, type of fuel, and type of dwelling, with no pay back required. Eligibility is based on a customer’s annual household income and size. A customer’s annual household income cannot exceed 200% of the federal poverty income guidelines. Homeowners, renters, roomers, and subsidized housing tenants may be eligible. Customers do not have to be behind on their bills to receive a grant.
New Jersey’s monthly eligibility requirements are as follows:
- $2,127 – One-person household
- $2,873 – Two-person household
- $3,620 – Three-person household
- $4,367 – Four-person household
Eligible customers can also receive financial assistance through Helping Hands, a program, funded by AC Electric, providing $1 million annually to help struggling customers meet their energy needs. These funds are dispersed each year to low-income residents through the Affordable Housing Alliance, New Jersey SHARES, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Camden, and the People for People Foundation.
Learn about other available energy assistance at atlanticcityelectric.com/help.
Atlantic City Electric is urging customers who may be financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to contact the company now to establish payment arrangements. Atlantic City Electric recognizes the financial challenges some customers are facing as a result of the ongoing pandemic and will continue to work with each customer individually regarding the status of their account. The company’s Customer Care representatives will work with customers who may have difficulty paying their energy bill to set up flexible payment arrangements that offer individually tailored payment installment plans.
Contact Atlantic City Electric at 800-642-3780 to review payment options.
