DCA reminds New Jersey residents facing SNAP delays of available winter utility protections
TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is reminding New Jersey residents affected by recent delays in federal SNAP benefits that they may be eligible for utility assistance and shutoff protections under the state’s Winter Termination Program and other resources.
The Winter Termination Program protects residential customers from having their natural gas, electric, water or sewer service disconnected between Nov. 15 and March 15. Residents who rely on SNAP and have been affected by delayed federal funding may qualify if they can demonstrate an inability to pay their utility bills due to circumstances beyond their control.
“Over the last few weeks, hundreds of thousands of New Jerseyans have been impacted by the reckless federal decision to not issue SNAP benefits fully and on-time,” said Gov. Phil Murphy. “As the weather gets colder and we continue to face an energy affordability crisis, our Department of Community Affairs continues to offer several programs to protect vulnerable residents from utility shutoffs. We encourage all SNAP recipients who are having difficulty paying their utilities as a result of the federal disruption of benefits to confirm their eligibility and participate in our Winter Termination Program to ensure their families are warm and safe this holiday season.”
Other residents who may qualify include customers enrolled in programs such as the Universal Service Fund (USF), Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Lifeline, Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD), Work First New Jersey/Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
LIHEAP, a federally funded program, helps low- and moderate-income households pay for heating costs, regardless of fuel type. Tenants whose heat is included in their rent may also qualify. Grants are available for medically necessary cooling costs. Applications are accepted from Oct. 1 through June 30 while funding remains available.
“Even modest changes to federal programs can ripple through household budgets and put essential utilities at risk,” said DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. “We want New Jersey families to know that help is available. Whether you’re struggling to keep up with energy costs or facing unexpected hardship, our utility assistance programs are designed to protect you through the winter months and beyond.”
“For more than two decades, the Winter Termination Program has been a critical safety net for New Jersey families during the most challenging months of the year,” said New Jersey Board of Public Utilities President Christine Guhl-Sadovy. “This program reflects our commitment to ensuring that no New Jerseyan has to choose between paying their utility bills and meeting other essential needs during the winter months. We encourage all eligible residents, including SNAP recipients, to contact their utility providers today to secure this vital protection.”
How to Enroll
To receive Winter Termination Program protection, eligible residents must contact their utility provider and notify them of their qualification. This can be done verbally or by submitting a self-certification. Additional information about utility assistance programs is available through DCA.
