New Jersey utility aid offers monthly energy credits of up to $200
Low- and moderate-income New Jersey households can get monthly credits for gas and electric bills. The Universal Service Fund program runs through the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.
New Jersey residents struggling with utility bills can now apply for expanded energy assistance benefits providing up to $200 per month in financial relief, according to WRNJ Radio. The state's Universal Service Fund began accepting applications for the new program year on Oct. 1, offering increased monthly credits to eligible low- and moderate-income households to help cover natural gas and electric bills.
Administered by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, the program now provides minimum monthly credits of $20, up from $5, while the maximum combined monthly benefit has increased from $180 to $200. Ben Hertz-Shargel, president of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, said affordability is at the center of everything the board is doing.
The program is designed to limit eligible households' energy expenses to no more than 3% of their income, subject to the benefit cap. Jacquelyn A. Suárez, commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, encouraged eligible residents to apply for USF and LIHEAP benefits to help make energy bills more affordable.
In addition to increased financial assistance, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has required the state's seven gas and electric utility companies to take a more active role in helping eligible residents enroll through proactive customer outreach. During the last program year, utility companies exceeded their first-year statewide enrollment target, helping more than 8,000 New Jersey residents enroll in USF for the first time.
Residents can apply for both the Universal Service Fund and the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program using a single application through the state's online assistance portal at nj.gov/dca/dcaid. Eligible households can receive benefits from both programs simultaneously, while the LIHEAP application period runs through June 30, 2027.
Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis while funding remains available, and residents can also call 1-800-510-3102 for program information and application status updates. New Jersey also offers protections against utility service shutoffs from Nov. 15 through March 15 for eligible customers through the Winter Termination Program.
