Mercer County Accepting Applications for Heating Assistance

Mercer County is now accepting applications for the state’s low-income home energy assistance program.  The program allows individuals meeting certain income qualifications to apply for bill payment assistance, energy crisis assistance and energy-related home repairs.

To be eligible for benefits, the applicant household must be responsible for home heating or cooling costs and have gross income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. An eligibility chart can be found on the Mercer County website.

Residents can register at the McDade Administration Building, 640 South Broad St. in Trenton, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Wednesdays until 6 p.m. through April 30, 2014. Or residents can visit the County Connection, Route 33 at Paxson Avenue, in Hamilton. County Connection hours will be Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon by appointment only, and Saturdays, Oct. 12 and 26 and Nov. 9 and 23, from 10 a.m. to noon.

People who participated in the program last year should receive a recertification form within the first week of the heating season, which began on Oct. 1. If you have questions about the program call (609) 989-6858 or (609) 989-6959.