How to Get Utility Assistance Programs

 If you're having difficulty affording your utility bills, there are various options for assistance. Below is an overview of the customer assistance programs that are available in New Jersey. To download a summary of these programs.

List of Utility Assistance Programs

  • PAGE Program

The Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric (PAGE) Program offers relief on natural gas and electric bills for low- to moderate-income New Jersey families that are past due on their utility bills and are experiencing a temporary financial crisis. Eligible applicants cannot be receiving or be eligible for a Universal Service Fund (USF) benefit or a Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) benefit. PAGE is administered by the Affordable Housing Alliance.

Utility Assistance Program


  • Comfort Partners

Comfort Partners is an energy-saving and instruction program that directly affirms energy savings measures FREE responsible for qualified low-income clients.

  • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

LIHEAP assists New Jersey families to cover heating costs and certain medically-necessary cooling costs. Renters that have their heating costs included in their rent may also be eligible. Software for LIHEAP is accepted from October 1, 2019, through July 31, 2020. To publish software, review eligibility requirements, and find your county application agency,

  • Universal Service Fund

The Universal Service Fund (USF) helps make energy bills more affordable for qualifying families whose annual household income is at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level. The program has been designed so that households most in need get the maximum advantage, by employing a"percentage of income" formula. Benefits appear as a charge on the household electric and/or gas invoice (capped at $1,800 annually ). USF is administered by the Department of Community Affairs.

Fresh Start: Fresh Start allows eligible New Jersey families participating in USF for the first time to earn forgiveness for pre-existing arrearages by making full, on-time obligations for 12 weeks. You cannot use it for Fresh Start, but if you are eligible you'll be enrolled by your utility company and get information regarding the program in the mail.

  • Winter Termination Program

Administered from NJBPU, the Winter Termination Program protects specific categories of customers from having their gas or electric closed off between November 15 and March 15 of each year. Those registered in certain other programs (including Supplemental Security Income, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, USF, and Lifeline) are shielded by the Winter Termination Program. An additional"catch-all" category can also be included for those who are unable to pay their utility bills due to circumstances outside their control, such as illness or unemployment.

  • Lifeline Program (Energy Assistance)

Lifeline is handled by the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS) and supplies an annual energy advantage for seniors and the disabled. The advantage can help qualified homeowners and tenants with electrical and/or natural gas expenses. You can apply for Lifeline Using the NJSave application.

  • NJ SHARES

NJ SHARES is a non-profit organization that offers assistance to income-eligible New Jersey families for paying their electricity, phone, broadband (internet), and water bills. Applications for NJ SHARES single mothers grant can be reached at any one of the more than 270 participating social service agencies across the state.

  • Lifeline (Federal Telephone Assistance Program)

The national Lifeline phone assistance program provides a discount on your monthly phone bill. Qualification for the program is determined based on participation in some of the following programs: Supplemental Security Income, Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8), Federal Veterans Pension, or Federal Veterans Survivors Pension. You may also qualify based upon your income level (under 135 percent of the Federal Poverty Line). To take part in the program, you must submit proof of participation in the qualifying programs or revenue eligibility into the support supplier, which must confirm that documentation. The Lifeline program is limited to one discount per household, and the level of services offered under the program may vary among providers, with some constraints on the discretionary services offered to participants.

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