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If you're having trouble affording your utility bills, there are many options for help. Below is an overview of the customer assistance programs that are available in New Jersey. To download a summary of energy assistance programs, click here. To take a brief, anonymous online survey to determine if you are eligible for assistance and learn how to sign up, complete the "DCAid" screening tool.
The Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric (PAGE) Program provides relief on gas and electric bills for low- to moderate-income New Jersey households (see income chart here). Eligible applicants must have an overdue balance of at least $100 and not have $15,000 or more in liquid assets. Those who are income eligible for USF and LIHEAP should apply for those programs first before seeking supplemental assistance from PAGE. To self-screen for program eligibility, apply online, or print an application, please visit www.njpoweron.org. If you have questions, or would like an application mailed to you, call (732) 982-8710. PAGE is administered by the Affordable Housing Alliance. |
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Comfort Partners is an energy saving and education program that directly installs energy savings measures FREE of charge for qualified low-income customers. Call 1-800-915-8309 or visit www.njcleanenergy.com/CP (electric or gas heat only) to learn more. Comfort Partners is sponsored by NJBPU’s New Jersey Clean Energy Program™. |
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps New Jersey households pay for heating costs and certain medically-necessary cooling expenses. Renters who have their heating costs included in their rent may also qualify. Applications for LIHEAP are accepted from October 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021. To print applications, review eligibility requirements, locate your county application agency, visit www.energyassistance.nj.gov or call 1-800-510-3102. You can email completed USF/LIHEAP applications and supporting documentation to USFHEA-application@dca.nj.gov. You can apply for LIHEAP online starting October 1, 2020 at: www.energyassistance.nj.gov. LIHEAP is administered by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. |
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The Universal Service Fund (USF) helps make energy bills more affordable for qualifying households whose annual household income is at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level. The program was designed so that households most in need receive the highest benefit, by using a "percentage of income" formula. Benefits appear as a credit on the household electric and/or gas bill (capped at $1,800 per year). Completed USF/LIHEAP applications and supporting documentation may be emailed to USFHEA-application@dca.nj.gov. Click here to print USF applications, review eligibility requirements, and locate your county application agency. You can apply online for USF starting October 1, 2020, at www.energyassistance.nj.gov or call toll free 1-866-240-1347 for more information. Fresh Start: Fresh Start allows eligible New Jersey households participating in USF for the first time to earn forgiveness for pre-existing arrearages by making full, on-time payments for 12 months. You cannot apply for Fresh Start, but if you are eligible you will be enrolled by your utility company and receive information about the program in the mail. USF is administered by the Department of Community Affairs. |
The Winter Termination Program protects specific categories of customers from having their gas or electric shut off between November 15 and March 15 of each year. Those enrolled in certain other programs (including Supplemental Security Income, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, USF, and Lifeline) are protected by the Winter Termination Program. An additional “catch-all” category is also included for those who are unable to pay their utility bills because of circumstances beyond their control, such as unemployment or illness. For more information about the Winter Termination Program, call 1-800-624-0241. The Winter Termination Program is administered by NJBPU. |
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Lifeline provides an annual energy benefit to qualified seniors and the disabled. The benefit can help eligible homeowners and renters with electric and/or natural gas costs. You can apply for Lifeline by using the NJSave application, available at www.aging.nj.gov. For more information about Lifeline, call 1-800-792-9745, or click here. Lifeline is administered by the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS). |
NJ SHARES is a non-profit organization that provides assistance to income-eligible New Jersey households for paying their energy, telephone, broadband (internet), and water bills. Applications for NJ SHARES grants can be made at any of the more than 270 participating social service agencies throughout the state. For more information, call 1-866-657-4273 or visit www.njshares.org. |
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For more information, please contact your local telephone service provider for residential and broadband service:
Verizon New Jersey – 1-888-337-3339 (NJSHARES) or click: NJSHARES.
CenturyLink/United Telephone Company of New Jersey – 1-800-201-4099 – www.centurylink.com/Pages/Support/LifeLine
Warwick Valley Telephone Company – 1-800-952-7642
For wireless service, please contact these providers:
Tracfone – 1-800-977-3768 - www.safelink.com
Virgin Mobile – 1-888-898-4888 - www.assurancewireless.com
NJ Energy Assistance Brochure
NJ Energy Assistance Brochure (Spanish)
Universal Service Fund (USF)/ Home Energy Assistance Application
Did you know that if you are having trouble affording your utility bills, there are many options for help? Please click here to see an overview of the available customer assistance program