Last updated: July 16, 2026
Bottom line
New Jersey has several programs for electric, gas, heating fuel, water, and sewer bills. The right first step depends on the bill and the time of year. As of July 16, 2026, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, called LIHEAP, is closed and is scheduled to reopen October 1, 2026. The Universal Service Fund, called USF, remains open through August 15, 2026. Weatherization is open all year.
Use the DCAid portal for USF and weatherization. Call the Home Energy Assistance Hotline at 800-510-3102 if you need help applying, checking a case, or finding a local agency. Also call your utility before a shutoff. An assistance application does not always stop collection action by itself.
For a wider state overview, use the New Jersey help page. The national LIHEAP and utility guide explains common energy-assistance steps.
If shutoff is close
Call the number on the utility bill today. Ask for a deferred payment arrangement, a hardship review, a medical account note, and any current shutoff protection. Write down the representative’s name, the date, and every promise made.
- Dial 2-1-1 or call 800-510-3102. The energy assistance hotline helps with applications, status questions, and local referrals.
- Ask whether the account qualifies for the Summer Termination Program through August 31, 2026.
- If service is already off, ask whether it must be restored under summer protection and whether the reconnection fee can be waived.
- If heat, food, rent, or shelter is also urgent, use the New Jersey emergency guide.
Call 911 for a gas smell, fire, downed power line, heat illness, or another immediate danger.
Where to start
Electric or gas bill
Apply for USF now if eligible. Ask the utility about Fresh Start, PAGE, SMART, a payment plan, and summer protection.
Heating or cooling help
LIHEAP is closed until October 1, 2026. Prepare documents now and ask about other current crisis funds.
Water or sewer bill
Contact the provider and NJ 211. Water programs depend on the company or municipal system.
High bills every month
Apply for USF, Comfort Partners, or Weatherization. These programs focus on ongoing affordability and lower energy use.
Quick reference
| If you need | Start here | What to ask | Reality check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly gas or electric credit | USF through DCAid | Income review, credit amount, and Fresh Start | USF is open only through August 15, 2026. |
| Heating or medical cooling help | LIHEAP | Next application, local agency, and cooling form | LIHEAP is closed until October 1, 2026. |
| Shutoff during summer | Utility and BPU | Summer protection, restoration, and payment plan | Protection is not debt forgiveness. |
| Gas or electric arrears | PAGE, SMART, or SHARES | Current funding and program order | Some programs require USF screening first. |
| Water or sewer balance | Provider and NJ 211 | Grant, discount, payment plan, and leak review | Help differs by provider. |
Current 2026 application status
- LIHEAP: Closed after June 30, 2026. The next online application window is scheduled to open October 1, 2026.
- USF: Open through August 15, 2026.
- Weatherization: Open all year.
- PAGE and SHARES programs: Availability depends on current funding and the utility account.
Check the portal before relying on an old deadline. Funding and intake dates can change. The state LIHEAP page and state USF page list official program details.
FFY 2026 income limits
LIHEAP and USF use a gross-income limit equal to 60% of the New Jersey State Median Income. The 2026 program fact sheet lists these limits:
| Household size | Monthly gross limit | Annual gross limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4,167 | $50,005 |
| 2 | $5,449 | $65,392 |
| 3 | $6,732 | $80,778 |
| 4 | $8,014 | $96,165 |
| 5 | $9,296 | $111,551 |
| 6 | $10,578 | $126,937 |
Each person after 12 adds $241 to the monthly limit and $2,885 to the annual limit. Apply if income is close. The agency must review household members, income, and the utility account.
How LIHEAP and USF work
LIHEAP
LIHEAP helps with home heating and medically necessary cooling. Homeowners and renters may qualify. A renter whose heat is included in non-subsidized rent may still qualify. People in public or subsidized housing generally must pay heating costs directly to the fuel supplier to receive heating help.
The heating benefit depends on income, household size, fuel type, and heating region. The FFY 2026 medically necessary cooling benefit is $300. A doctor or other approved medical professional must complete the required cooling form. LIHEAP can also include emergency fuel or heating-system help when program rules are met.
USF
USF provides a monthly credit on eligible residential natural-gas and electric accounts. The bill must be in the name of a household member. The credit is based on household income and energy burden.
Current rules set a minimum credit of $20 per month for each eligible gas or electric account and a maximum combined credit of $200 per month. USF generally covers eligible energy costs above 2% of annual income for gas or non-heating electric service. For electric heat, the threshold is 4% of annual income.
USF does not promise a zero bill. The household remains responsible for charges outside the credit. If the bill changes sharply, ask the utility to explain how the credit was calculated.
How to apply
- Create or sign in to DCAid.
- Complete the household and income questions.
- List every household member, including the person named on the utility account.
- Upload the full utility bill, income proof, identity documents, and any requested forms.
- Submit the application and save the confirmation.
- Check portal messages and email for missing-document requests.
A completed application should generally be processed within 60 days. Utilities began taking a larger role in USF application intake and approval in 2026, but delays can still happen. Call the hotline and the utility when a shutoff date is near.
Fresh Start debt forgiveness
Fresh Start is tied to USF. A first-time USF customer with at least $60 in past-due gas or electric debt may be automatically enrolled. Since October 1, 2024, a customer may generally use Fresh Start once every five years.
To earn forgiveness, pay the current monthly charges in full and on time. Each successful month forgives one-twelfth of the Fresh Start balance. Full forgiveness can take 12 months, and the utility may allow a 12-to-15-month completion period.
Fresh Start is not instant
USF credits do not replace the current amount you must pay. Ask the utility to state the exact monthly charge needed to earn forgiveness and what happens after a late or partial payment.
Summer Termination Program
New Jersey created a Summer Termination Program for eligible residential electric, water, and wastewater customers. The 2026 protection period runs from June 15 through August 31. It does not cover natural-gas service.
Eligible groups include people receiving LIHEAP, USF, TANF, SSI, Lifeline, PAAD, General Assistance, and certain water-assistance benefits. A customer who cannot pay because of unemployment, illness, medical costs, a death in the family, or another hardship beyond the customer’s control may also ask to self-certify.
The official summer protection order says an eligible account disconnected for nonpayment before June 15 should be restored without a reconnection fee. Utilities must discuss a deferred payment arrangement, and eligible customers should make good-faith payments when able.
Current state guidance says eligible customers can request a payment term of up to 24 months and that reconnection fees are waived during the protection period. Contact the utility directly to request protection. If the company refuses, call the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities at 800-624-0241.
Winter protection
The Winter Termination Program normally runs from November 15 through March 15. It can protect eligible electric, gas, water, and wastewater customers. Read the winter protection rules before winter and ask the utility to enroll the account.
Summer and winter protection pause certain shutoffs. They do not erase the balance. Keep paying an amount you can manage and keep proof of every payment.
New 2026 REAP bill credits
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities approved a third round of Residential Energy Assistance Payment credits. Qualifying gas or electric accounts are scheduled to receive $50 in August, $50 in September, and $50 in October 2026, for a maximum of $150.
Utilities identify eligible accounts using 2025-2026 Winter Termination Program records and state eligibility categories. The 2026 REAP order does not describe a separate public application. Watch the bill and call the utility if you believe the account qualifies but no credit appears.
PAGE, SMART, and other programs
Use other programs when USF does not cover enough, the household is over the USF limit, or a temporary crisis caused arrears. Funding can open and close, so ask what is accepting applications today.
| Program | What it may do | Important rule |
|---|---|---|
| PAGE | Helps prevent gas or electric shutoff or restore service. | USF-eligible households should apply for USF first. |
| SMART | Provides up to $500 per utility per calendar year. | Household income must be within current State Median Income rules. |
| NJ SHARES | Helps some households in a temporary financial crisis. | Good-faith payment and program-order rules may apply. |
| Lifeline | Provides a $225 annual benefit to some older or disabled residents. | Apply through NJSave and meet age, disability, and income rules. |
The other utility programs page lists current programs and applications. NJ SHARES can be reached at 866-657-4273. Do not assume every fund serves every utility.
Water and sewer bill help
Water assistance depends on the provider. Call the company or municipal office before shutoff and ask for a payment plan, hardship fund, leak adjustment, and summer or winter protection.
| Provider or program | Current help | Key condition |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey American Water | Up to $500 through H2O Help to Others | Income and payment-plan rules apply. |
| NJ American discount | 15% to 60% off fixed monthly water charges | Income must be below 200% of poverty. |
| Aqua Aid | Up to $150 for water or $250 for water and sewer | Available once in a rolling 12-month period. |
| Veolia Cares | Temporary crisis help | A $20 good-faith payment is required before applying. |
| Municipal assistance | Up to $200 per municipal utility each year through MCAP | Income can be up to 400% of poverty. |
The water assistance page lists current provider programs. If utilities are part of rent or a shutoff threatens housing, use the New Jersey housing guide.
Weatherization and Comfort Partners
Weatherization is not a past-due bill payment. It can reduce future costs through approved work such as insulation, air sealing, heating-system improvements, or other energy measures. Apply through the Weatherization program and the agency serving your county.
Comfort Partners provides no-cost energy-saving services to eligible customers of participating utilities. Current guidance generally requires a household income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level, significant energy use, and an eligible primary residence.
Both programs can involve inspections, appointments, landlord permission, and waiting. They are worth applying for when high bills return every season.
Documents and information to gather
Use the benefits documents checklist when several applications are involved.
| What may be needed | Examples | Practical tip |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | Photo ID and Social Security information | Ask the local agency what alternatives are accepted. |
| Household members | Names, dates of birth, and relationship | List everyone living in the home. |
| Income | Pay stubs, benefits, unemployment, or zero-income form | Use the exact period requested. |
| Utility account | Full gas, electric, water, or sewer bill | The billing owner must be listed in the household. |
| Urgency | Shutoff, delinquency, reconnection, or fuel notice | Upload every page and make the date readable. |
| Rent or medical need | Lease form or cooling certification | Use the program’s own form when required. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying for closed LIHEAP. LIHEAP reopens October 1, but USF is open through August 15.
- Waiting until shutoff day. Call the utility as soon as the notice arrives.
- Sending only part of a bill. Upload the full bill and every page of the notice.
- Thinking protection erases debt. Summer and winter programs pause shutoff but do not forgive charges.
- Missing Fresh Start payments. Ask what current charge must be paid each month.
- Paying an application fee. Official utility assistance applications do not require a fee.
If help is denied, delayed, or ignored
Read the notice and ask for the exact reason. A case may be delayed because of missing proof, an unreadable bill, a household mismatch, an income question, or an incomplete portal step.
- No decision: Call the Home Energy Assistance Hotline and ask for a status complaint. A completed application should normally be processed within 60 days.
- Application denial: Ask the local agency about administrative review and a fair hearing. The FFY 2026 handbook provides an administrative-review path before a hearing.
- Utility dispute: Contact the company first. If the issue remains, use the BPU complaint process or call 800-624-0241.
- Legal issue: Use the New Jersey legal guide for legal-aid starting points.
The benefits problem guide can help you organize notices, calls, and proof.
Other help that can protect the utility budget
Apply for other benefits when food, child care, or medical costs are causing the utility debt. Each program has separate rules.
- Use the New Jersey SNAP guide for food help.
- Use the New Jersey child care guide for care costs.
- Use the New Jersey WIC guide during pregnancy or with a child under 5.
- Use the New Jersey healthcare guide for coverage and medical costs.
- Use the New Jersey TANF guide for cash assistance.
- Use the New Jersey community guide for local groups.
- Use the New Jersey transportation guide if reaching an agency or cooling site is difficult.
Phone scripts
Calling the utility
Hello, I have a past-due residential account and a shutoff notice dated [date]. I am applying for utility assistance. Can you check Summer Termination protection, set an affordable payment plan, and tell me what is required to keep service on?
Calling the hotline
Hello, I need help with USF or my existing application. My confirmation number is [number]. Can you tell me whether the application is complete, what document is missing, and whether a status complaint is needed?
Calling about Fresh Start
Hello, I was approved for USF and have past-due debt. Am I enrolled in Fresh Start? What exact current charge must I pay each month, and how much debt will be forgiven after each payment?
Calling about water
Hello, I am behind on a residential water or sewer bill. Does my provider offer a grant, low-income discount, payment plan, leak adjustment, or summer shutoff protection?
Resumen en español
Al 16 de julio de 2026, LIHEAP está cerrado y volverá a abrir el 1 de octubre de 2026. USF está abierto hasta el 15 de agosto de 2026. Puede solicitar por DCAid o llamar al 800-510-3102. USF ofrece un crédito mensual para gas y electricidad.
El Programa de Terminación de Verano protege a algunos clientes de electricidad, agua y alcantarillado hasta el 31 de agosto. No borra la deuda. Llame a la compañía para pedir protección y un plan de pago. Para agua, llame al proveedor y al 2-1-1 porque los programas cambian según la compañía.
FAQ
Is LIHEAP open in New Jersey?
No. The FFY 2026 LIHEAP window closed June 30, 2026. DCAid says the next application window is scheduled to open October 1, 2026.
Can I still apply for USF?
Yes. DCAid says USF applications remain open through August 15, 2026. USF provides a monthly gas or electric credit for eligible households.
How much can USF pay?
The current minimum is $20 per eligible gas or electric account. The combined maximum is $200 per month, based on income and energy burden.
Can my utility shut off service this summer?
Eligible electric, water, and wastewater customers can request Summer Termination protection through August 31, 2026. Gas service is not included in this summer program.
What are the 2026 REAP credits?
Qualifying gas or electric accounts may receive $50 in August, September, and October 2026, for a maximum of $150. Utilities identify eligible accounts.
What if my application is delayed?
Call 800-510-3102 with the confirmation number and ask what is missing. A completed application should normally be processed within 60 days.
About this guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
A Single Mother is independent and is not a government agency, benefits office, lender, law firm, medical provider, or tax advisor.
Program rules, funding, local availability, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply or make decisions.
Verification: Last verified July 16, 2026, next review October 16, 2026.
Corrections: If you see something wrong or outdated, email suggestions@asinglemother.org.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice.