Help with heating bills is available

As the winter brings bone-chilling temperatures, it's important to remember that many of us cannot afford the seasonal increases in heating costs.

For many families, heating their home is becoming more and more difficult every year. According to an October study from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, energy costs are soaring at a rate of 47.5 percent a year. The increase affects millions of Americans struggling to keep warm each winter.

Unfortunately, many households resort to unsafe methods in an effort to keep out the cold. Some may leave the stove on, continuously use their fireplace or even a kerosene heater indoors, running the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning or a devastating fire.

The good news is that money is available to help individuals and families who either own or rent their home. The assistance is available through LiHEAP, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

All it takes is a phone call or a visit to the Web site to begin the application process. For 2007, the maximum qualifying monthly income for a two-person household is $1,925. You may need to provide copies of your utility bills, proof of household income and other documents, but it could be well worth your time. Most families who qualify receive hundreds of dollars in relief.

To begin the application process, contact the New Jersey LiHEAP office at 1-800-510-3102, or visit their Web site at www.energynear.org, before March 31.

If you are over the LiHEAP income level for assistance and have a financial emergency, help may be available through NJ SHARES (1-866-657-4273).

Sy Larson

state president

AARP New Jersey