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December 17, 2004

Mayor Cites Importance of Aid to Seniors, Families

Financial assistance is available to Woodbridge residents facing high heating bills, Mayor Frank G. Pelzman has announced.

Grants from the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) funding will be made to qualifying individuals and families meeting household income standards. HEAP funds cover home oil, natural gas, electric heating, propane and kerosene heating systems. Households whose heating costs are included in their rent may also be eligible for HEAP aid.

HEAP is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and is administered in New Jersey by the Department of Human Services and Department of Community Affairs. In Middlesex County, HEAP is administered by the Puerto Rican Action Board.

Woodbridge residents who have applied for or received HEAP benefits in the past will receive a renewal application by mail. First-time applicants should call the Division on Aging at (732) 855-0600 ext. 5023 for applications and guidelines. Application deadline is March 31, 2005.

“This is an especially important program for many senior citizens,” said Mayor Pelzman. “Families also find energy costs accounting for an increasingly large share of their household expenses.”

Residents may also be eligible for aid from the Home Weatherization Assistance Program, which provides insulation, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, inspection of heating systems and other tools for increasing home energy efficiency. Call (732) 828-4510 ext. 128 for applications and guidelines.