New Jersey residents can apply for expanded energy assistance benefits of up to $200 per month
NEW JERSEY — New Jersey residents struggling with utility bills are being encouraged to apply for expanded energy assistance benefits that could provide up to $200 per month in financial relief, according to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities.
The state’s Universal Service Fund (USF) began accepting applications for the new energy assistance program year 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 for gas and electric service, up from $5, while the maximum combined monthly benefit has increased from $180 to $200.
“Affordability is at the center of everything we’re doing at the Board, and that means making sure New Jersey families can access the aid they need to manage their utility bills,” NJBPU President Ben Hertz-Shargel said. “These expanded benefits put more money back into household budgets, and our work with utilities and community partners will help connect more eligible residents with aid. We want every New Jerseyan who qualifies for these programs to know that help is available and that applying is easier than they may think.”
The increased benefits were approved by the Board of Public Utilities last year as part of broader efforts to make energy costs more manageable for New Jersey households. The program is designed to limit eligible households’ energy expenses to no more than 3% of their income, subject to the program’s benefit cap.
“Every New Jersey family deserves access to safe, reliable, and affordable energy and we are committed to making sure eligible households know about the utility aid available to them. With increased monthly benefits and expanded outreach to help residents navigate the application process, the Universal Service Fund can provide meaningful relief on utility costs for families managing tight household budgets,” said DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. “We encourage eligible residents to apply for USF and LIHEAP benefits and take advantage of the resources available to help make their energy bills more affordable.”
Expanded outreach helps thousands enroll
In addition to increasing financial assistance, NJBPU has required the state’s seven gas and electric utility companies to take a more active role in helping eligible residents enroll in the Universal Service Fund.
Utilities must meet enrollment growth targets through proactive customer outreach over a three-year period and submit annual plans and performance reports documenting their progress.
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.
Outreach efforts have included enrollment events at utility payment centers, senior centers and houses of worship, along with mobile assistance units that provide one-on-one support to residents seeking help with their energy bills.
Utility companies are also promoting the Comfort Partners program, which provides eligible households with free home energy assessments and energy efficiency improvements intended to reduce energy consumption and lower long-term utility expenses.
One application available for multiple assistance programs
New Jersey residents can apply for both the Universal Service Fund and the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) using a single application through the state’s online assistance portal at www.nj.gov/dca/dcaid.
Eligible households can receive benefits from both programs simultaneously. While USF provides recurring monthly credits toward natural gas and electric bills, LIHEAP offers lump-sum assistance for home heating costs, including natural gas, electricity, deliverable fuels and energy expenses included in rent.
LIHEAP also provides assistance for medically necessary cooling expenses, emergency funding for households facing utility disconnection, and heating system repairs or replacement.
The LIHEAP application period runs from Oct. 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis while funding remains available, and state officials are encouraging eligible residents to apply as soon as possible.
Income limits and eligibility requirements are available at www.energyassistance.nj.gov. Residents can also call 1-800-510-3102 for information about available programs, eligibility, local in-person assistance and application status updates.
Additional protections available against utility shutoffs
New Jersey also offers protections for qualifying households facing utility disconnections during the winter months through the NJBPU’s Winter Termination Program.
The program provides protection against utility service shutoffs from Nov. 15 through March 15 for eligible customers. Residents seeking protection can contact their utility company during that period to request enrollment.
Participation in the Universal Service Fund also provides access to additional assistance, including the USF-Fresh Start energy debt forgiveness program and protections against utility shutoffs during winter and summer months.
State officials said the expanded energy assistance efforts are part of the Board of Public Utilities’ broader affordability initiatives under Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s administration, which include strengthening consumer protections and improving access to reliable utility service.
“Energy aid is an essential part of our work to make New Jersey more affordable,” Hertz-Shargel said. “We’re committed to making these programs more effective, more accessible and better coordinated so that the benefits reach the households that need them most.”
Residents experiencing difficulty paying their utility bills are encouraged to seek assistance before facing a service disruption.
Additional information about energy assistance programs and consumer protections is available at www.nj.gov/bpu/assistance/programs/.
