Tag: utility assistance

2021 New Jersey Utility Assistance Summit

About two weeks ago a group of New Jersey utility companies, working with state officials and nonprofits, held an online forum for the purpose of “connecting community partners with payment assistance programs.”

For those community partners who were unable to attend and for others, the organizers have released the official Utility Assistance Summit presentation. Click here to download the PDF file. It is a useful tool for other energy advocates, County Welfare Agencies, nonprofits, local government officials, and of course energy consumers in New Jersey.

Remarks were given by Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver and Joseph Fiordaliso, President of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. Presentations were given by the Department of Community Affairs, Division of Aging Services, Board of Public Utilities, Affordable Housing Alliance, and New Jersey SHARES.

The downloadable presentation provides detailed information on many vital energy assistance and senior programs, covering the following programs:

  • Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
  • Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)
  • Universal Service Fund (USF)
  • Fresh Start
  • Winter Termination Program
  • PAGE
  • Communications Lifeline
  • Local New Jersey water programs
  • NJSave
  • Lifeline Utility Assistance Program
  • Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD)
  • Senior Gold Prescription Discount Program
  • Hearing Aid Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (HAAAD)
  • NJ Hearing Aid Project
  • SLMB and SLMB QI-1

For addditional information on the senior programs, see the Division of Aging Services Program Guide. See blog posts dated October 5, and October 21 for related articles. Links to the programs mentioned at the Utility Assistance Summit can be found in the NJ Energy Programs page and the Public Benefits Corner of the NJ Community Resources page, all here on this website.

LIHEAP Deadline Extended to May 31

The following information was published by NJ 2-1-1 which operates the Home Energy Assistance Hotline. The hotline can be reached by calling 800-510-3102.

The deadline to apply for utility assistance through LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) has been extended to May 31. As the Home Energy Assistance Hotline for the State of New Jersey, NJ 2-1-1 is the place to call if you are struggling to pay your gas, oil or electric heating bills. This assistance is available to eligible residents regardless of whether they rent or own their home. Emergency assistance is also available through May 31 for those who have already been approved for LIHEAP benefits AND have received a shut-off notice.

Callers to NJ 2-1-1 can check on the status of their application, receive information on the location of their application agency and a list of documents that must be submitted with their application. Required documentation includes a copy of the rental lease/property tax bill (if you own your home); utility bill; proof of income for anyone in your home above the age of 18; social security card for everyone in the household and a drivers license or state issued picture ID.

Source: NJ 2-1-1 website and NJ 2-1-1 email.