Energy / Utility Assistance Program

*Please note: Income eligibility criteria vary by program; therefore, you must consult with a representative before proceeding.
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1. Lifeline
The Lifeline program offers discounted telephone or internet service rates to eligible low-income residents.
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a. Eligibility Requirements: To apply for the Lifeline program, you must meet one of the following criteria:

• Income Criteria: Your household income must be at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. (Example: As of 2026, this corresponds to an annual income of $4,579 for an individual / $5,199 for a couple.)

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b. Required Documents

• Proof of Income (e.g., pay stubs, tax returns, Social Security benefit statements, etc.)

• Proof of Participation in a Qualifying Program (e.g., Medicaid card, SSI documentation, SNAP approval letter)

• Proof of Identity and Residency (e.g., government-issued ID, utility bill, rental lease agreement, etc.)

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c. How to Apply for Lifeline

• Online: You can apply online via the National Verifier tool on the Lifeline website.

  • https://nj-dhsas.my.site.com/njsave/quickstart

• By Phone: You can request an application by calling 800-792-9745.​

• ​By Mail: You can download and complete the Lifeline application form from the Lifeline website, then submit it by mail to the address below:

  • Lifeline

              P.O. Box 7081
              London, KY 40742​​
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2. USF
The USF program provides discounted utility rates (for heating, cooling, etc.) to eligible low-income residents.
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a. Eligibility Requirements

• You must be a New Jersey resident.

• Heating or cooling utility bills must be in your name (e.g., electricity, gas, etc.).

• Income Guidelines (2026):

  • 1-person household: Income of $4,167/month or less

  • 2-person household: Income of $5,449/month or less

  • Income limits increase with each additional household member.

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b. Required Documents

• Medicare Part A verification

• Proof of income (e.g., Social Security benefits, pay stubs, pension statements)

• Proof of assets (e.g., bank statements, asset records)

• Proof of identity (e.g., Social Security card, ID card)

• Proof of residency (e.g., utility bills, lease agreement)

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c. How to Apply for USF

• Online: https://www.nj.gov/dca/dhcr/offices/energy.shtml

  • You can apply online and submit the necessary documents electronically.

• By Mail: Download and complete the USF application form from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) website, then mail it to the address below:

  • Universal Service Fund (USF) Program

              P.O. Box 490 Trenton, NJ 08625

• By Phone: 800-510-3102

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3. LIHEAP
LIHEAP provides assistance with heating and cooling costs to eligible low-income households.
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a. Eligibility Requirements

• You must be a resident of New Jersey.

• Income Guidelines (2026):

  • 1-person household: $4,167/month or less, or $47,896/year or less

  • 2-person household: $5,449/month or less, or $62,633/year or less

  • Income guidelines increase based on the number of household members.

• Utilities: You must pay for heating costs (electricity, gas, oil, etc.) in your own name.

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b. Required Documents

• Proof of Income (e.g., pay stubs, tax returns, Social Security benefit statements, etc.)

• Utility Bills (bills in your name for gas, electricity, heating, etc.)

• Proof of Identity (e.g., Social Security card, government-issued ID)

• Proof of Residency (e.g., utility bills, lease agreement, etc.)

• Proof of Citizenship or Immigration Status (e.g., passport, Permanent Resident Card, or other legal documents)

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c. How to Apply

• Online: https://www.nj.gov/dca/dhcr/offices/energy.shtml

  • You can complete the application form and submit the required documents electronically.

• By Mail: Complete the LIHEAP application form and mail it to the address below:

  • LIHEAP Program

              Department of Human Services
              P.O. Box 700
              Trenton, NJ 08625
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4. LIHWAP
Provides assistance with water and sewer bills to eligible low-income households.
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a. Eligibility Requirements

• Residency: Must be a resident of New Jersey.

• Income Criteria: Household monthly income must meet the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) guidelines (based on 2026 standards).

  • 1-Person Household: $3,676/month or less, or $44,111/year or less.

  • 2-Person Household: $4,807/month or less, or $57,684/year or less.

  • 3-Person Household: $5,938/month or less, or $71,257/year or less.

  • Income limits increase based on the number of household members.

• Utilities: Must have water or sewer bills in your own name and have outstanding unpaid balances.

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b. Required Documents

• Proof of Income (e.g., pay stubs, tax returns, Social Security benefit statements, etc.)

• Water and Sewer Bills (bills issued in your name)

• Proof of Identity (e.g., Social Security card, government-issued ID)

• Proof of Residency (e.g., utility bills, lease agreements, etc.)

• Proof of Citizenship or Immigration Status (e.g., passport, Permanent Resident Card, or other legal documents)

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c. How to Apply

• Online: https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/

  • Complete the application form and submit it along with the required documents.

• By Mail: Complete the LIHWAP application form and mail it to the address below:

  • LIHWAP Program

              Department of Human Services
              P.O. Box 700
              Trenton, NJ 08625

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