The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program that helps low-income families and individuals with their energy bills. The program is administered by the Department of Community Affairs’ Division of Housing and Community Resources. It covers heating assistance, emergency crisis assistance, and medically necessary cooling assistance. The application period is from October 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. Apply online at dcaid.dca.nj.gov.
The state of New Jersey’s LIHEAP income guidelines are based on 60% of the State Median Income (SMI). The gross monthly income limit for the Universal Service Fund (USF) is also set at or below 60% of the SMI levels.
Households certified for LIHEAP and/or USF are among those protected against utility shutoffs between November 15 and March 15, in accordance with the Board of Public Utilities Winter Termination Program.
New Jersey Energy Programs – Income Guidelines
Income limits are listed below for the following New Jersey energy programs: Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Universal Service Fund (USF), SHARES, PAGE, Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), Comfort Partners, and Lifeline for seniors or disabled.
| Family Size | LIHEAP Monthly Income Limits | USF Monthly Income Limits | SHARES Monthly Income Limits | PAGE Monthly Income Limits | WAP Yearly Income Limits | Comfort Partners Yearly Income Limits | Lifeline Yearly Income Limits |
| 1 | $4,273 | $4,273 | $7,121 | $7,121 | $31,920 | $39,900 | $54,943 |
| 2 | $5,587 | $5,587 | $9,312 | $9,312 | $43,280 | $54,100 | $62,390 |
| 3 | $6,902 | $6,902 | $11,504 | $11,504 | $54,640 | $68,300 | |
| 4 | $8,217 | $8,217 | $13,695 | $13,695 | $66,000 | $82,500 | |
| 5 | $9,532 | $9,532 | $15,886 | $15,886 | $77,360 | $96,700 | |
| 6 | $10,846 | $10,846 | $18,077 | $18,077 | $88,720 | $110,900 | |
| 7 | $11,093 | $11,093 | $18,488 | $18,488 | $100,080 | $125,100 | |
| 8 | $11,339 | $11,339 | $18,899 | $18,899 | $111,440 | $139,300 | |
| 9 | $11,586 | $11,586 | $19,310 | $19,310 | |||
| 10 | $11,832 | $11,832 | $19,721 | $19,721 | |||
| 11 | $12,079 | $12,079 | $20,132 | $20,132 | |||
| 12 | $12,325 | $12,325 | $20,543 | $20,543 |
Links to assistance application, fact sheet, benefit amounts, and other information on the LIHEAP and USF programs, all available on various Department of Community Affairs webpages are listed below.
- LIHEAP/USF Fact Sheet English – Spanish
- LIHEAP/USF/Weatherization Assistance Application
- Local Application Agencies
- Universal Service Fund (USF) – Frequently Asked Questions
- LIHEAP Benefit Matrix
- LIHEAP State Model Plan
Other energy programs include:
Universal Service Fund (USF) – a state funded program. Eligibility requirements include: 1) income less than or equal to 60% of the State Median Income, 2) USF applicants must reside at the address provided on their utility account, and 3) incur an electric and/or natural gas bill more than 3% of household income. Electric heat households must have an energy burden of at least 6% to qualify. Customer’s utility accounts are credited monthly. Households found eligible for LIHEAP benefits are screened automatically for USF. Applications for USF are available year round. USF credits can be transferred from one address to another, so discuss details with the utility company when reporting a change of address.
Fresh Start is a component of the USF program. A household is automatically enrolled in the program if there is a balance of $60 or more on the bill. Under this forgiveness program the arrears are set aside at the time the customer is enrolled in the program. The previous balance will be erased if the customer pays their bill for the next 12 months in full. The Fresh Start program is administered by the Department of Community Affairs in coordination with investor-owned utility companies. Details are available through utility company customer service departments.
Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric (PAGE) is a program established by the Board of Public Utilities to provide relief for low to moderate income gas and electric customers who are experiencing a temporary financial crisis. SHARES operates the program on behalf of the Board of Public Utilities. For more information and details call 866-657-4273.
SHARES is a statewide 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides assistance to energy customers with income above government program guidelines but below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level. Applicants must demonstrate a temporary financial need and a history of good-faith payments. Households receiving other benefit programs (LIHEAP, USF, TANF, GA) may not qualify. SHARES is comprised of a network of more than two hundred intake agencies. Their toll free phone number is 866-657-4273.
Gift of Warmth is available to New Jersey Natural Gas households experiencing unanticipated financial hardship. See their payment assistance programs page and scroll down to section on their Gift of Warmth program for details.
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is a federally funded program. It enables the elderly, disabled and low-income persons to weatherize their home, improve their heating system efficiency, and conserve energy. The income limits are set at 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. The program is administered by community based organizations under the auspices of the Department of Community Affairs. See their income guidelines or contact the local Weatherization agency.
Lifeline Credit Program is a state funded program available to people at least 65 years of age or disabled and receiving Social Security disability benefits. The 2026 income limits are $54,943 for an individual and $62,390 for a couple. Applicants who do not receive PAAD should complete a NJSave application. Additional information is available by calling the Lifeline/PAAD Hotline at 800-792-9745 or a local County Office on Aging.
Comfort Partners – is a state funded program designed to improve energy affordability for income eligible households. Eligibility requirements include: a household with significant energy usage, income within 250% of the Federal Poverty Level or receiving USF, Lifeline, or Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD). Participants receive installation of cost effective energy efficiency measures for their home plus personalized energy education and counseling. New Jersey Comfort Partners phone number is 866-378-4345.
New Jersey Clean Energy Program, administered by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, offers financial incentives, programs, and services to New Jersey residents, businesses, educational institutions, nonprofits, and local governments to help them save energy, money, and the environment. It promotes increased energy efficiency and the use of clean, renewable sources of energy. For more information call 866-NJ-SMART (866-657-6278).
Households that receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits – formerly food stamps – may receive heating benefits through information entered by their County Social Service Agency. Households not selected may contact the HEA Hotline by dialing 2-1-1 or 800-510-3102. Applicants should call these phone numbers rather than their local application agency to check on the status of their application.
The DCA Service Portal allows households to apply online for various assistance programs. Use the Online Portal, here.
For more information, visit the comprehensive NJ 2-1-1 Home Energy Assistance Hotline page or the Board of Public Utility’s Utility Assistance Programs page.
Last updated: October 15, 2026
