Salem County assistance programs.

Get help for bills

For local families and residents, the Tri-County Community Action Partnership, which is a local non-profit community action agency, has been helping families for many years. They have several resources and options they offer people, including those who are struggling to heat their homes, pay rent, and who need financial advice and debt counseling. Among other resources they offer includes the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), debt help, and other services.

LIHEAP - This is a federally funded energy assistance program that provides grants and subsidies every winter to help low and somewhat middle income families pay their home heating bills. The funds that are provided can be used for the payment of home oil, propane, wood, coal, and kerosene heating bills. Even those households that pay their heating bills and whose are included in their rent may be eligible for these government grants and funds. The amount of the cash grant that is provided will be determined by the applicants household income, fuel type, household size, and the part of New Jersey they live in.

Free Heating Oil Citizens Energy Oil Heat Program - This program offers free heating oil to people in need. Each household that applies and is fund eligible will be allowed a one-time delivery per heating season of 100 gallons of home heating oil for free. More on Oil Heat program.

Heaters and Furnaces - There is even aid available for people who are having furnace or heater problems. Households facing heating troubles because of a broken heater are not alone. Many utility and heating companies around the county say they have been busy repairing and replacing heaters and furnaces.

If anyone is have trouble, and is looking to replace an old, inefficient, or broken heater may find it affordable due to both federal and state assistance programs.

For example, New Jersey has in place a rebate program that will help state residents replace older, inefficient appliances, furnaces, and heaters with new efficient Energy Star-qualified and ultra-efficient models. Households that apply for an receive the rebate could receive 50 percent of the purchase price or up to $10,000 towards a new unit.

Economic Development and Financial Counseling - Through a variety of counseling programs, debt assistance advice, and other options, the Office of Economic Development helps people to learn to control their finances, get out of debt, start businesses and achieve financial freedom and become self-sufficient.

Neighborhood Services - The Tri-County Community Action Partnership has a multitude of other services. For example, they offer clothing drives, holiday and Christmas toys, distribute holiday food baskets, income tax preparation, and offers energy assistance and other services to help clients meet the basic needs of daily living and their everyday bills.

Contact the agency at (856) 451-6330 to apply or learn more.

Help from the Puerto Rican Action Committee of Southern New Jersey

This is a local, private, non-profit agency that focuses on helping low income as well as Hispanic families and individuals in southern New Jersey. The organization was created in 1971. Services and resources provided include, but are not limited to:

• Rental assistance and grants
• Case management and counseling. Information and referral to a variety of programs.
• Utility and heating bill assistance
• Employment services and job training for adults and youth,
• Emergency food and free groceries
• A variety of other emergency care programs

Contact them at (856) 299-5800.