Navigating utility bills can be challenging, especially for households facing financial constraints. If you are a Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G) customer in New Jersey struggling to manage your utility expenses, or facing the threat of service disconnection, there’s good news. Numerous utility assistance programs are available in New Jersey, designed to support low- and moderate-income households. It’s crucial to act promptly and explore these resources to secure the help you need.
Don’t delay – explore energy assistance options today! New Jersey provides a comprehensive range of utility assistance and energy efficiency programs tailored for residents with varying income levels. Below, you’ll find detailed information on these programs, including income eligibility guidelines and how to apply, specifically relevant to Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G) customers and other New Jersey residents.
| Household Size | PAGE* | USF/LIHEAP | Lifeline** | Comfort Partners |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $79,827 | $47,896 | $53,446 | $39,125 |
| 2 | $104,390 | $62,633 | $60,690 | $52,875 |
| 3 | $128,952 | $77,370 | $66,625 | |
| 4 | $153,514 | $92,108 | $80,375 | |
| 5 | $178,076 | $106,845 | $94,125 | |
| 6 | $202,638 | $121,582 | $107,875 | |
| 7 | $207,244 | $124,345 | $121,625 | |
| 8 | $211,849 | $127,109 | $135,375 |
*If you are income eligible for USF/LIHEAP, apply for those programs first and then if still in need seek additional assistance from the PAGE program.
**Lifeline determines income in terms of married or single only and is for seniors and the disabled.
DCAid Screening Tool
To easily determine your potential eligibility for various assistance programs, including utility bill support, rent assistance, and lead hazard removal, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) offers an anonymous “DCAid” screening tool. This tool can help you quickly assess which programs you might qualify for and provide guidance on the application process.
Universal Service Fund (USF) and Fresh Start Program for PSE&G Customers
The Universal Service Fund (USF) is a critical program designed to lower your Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G) bills, making energy service more affordable. This program offers monthly credits on your PSE&G electric and gas bills, calculated based on the portion of your energy costs exceeding a set percentage of your income.
For eligible Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G) customers with outstanding balances of $60 or more, the USF-Fresh Start program provides an added benefit. Enrollment in USF automatically enrolls you in Fresh Start. This program offers debt forgiveness on the overdue amount you owed at the time of USF enrollment. Fresh Start is available once every five years, providing a significant opportunity to clear past utility debt. PSE&G, along with other gas and electric utilities in NJ, administers Fresh Start under the oversight of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU).
How does Fresh Start forgiveness work for PSE&G customers? Participating PSE&G customers in USF-Fresh Start need only pay their current monthly charges in full. In return, PSE&G will forgive 1/12th of their Fresh Start overdue balance each month. (Note that some utilities may forgive up to ¼ of the balance every three months). PSE&G will provide enrolled customers with detailed information about the program and regular updates on their Fresh Start status. For any questions regarding Fresh Start, PSE&G customers should contact PSE&G directly. However, if you are unable to resolve an issue with PSE&G, you can contact the Board of Public Utilities at 800-624-0241 or file an online complaint at www.nj.gov/bpu/assistance/complaints.
Applying for USF and USF-Fresh Start for PSE&G and other NJ Utility Services:
- The most efficient way to apply is online through the gov/dca/dcaid portal, where you can also upload all necessary documents.
- For more comprehensive information about the USF program, visit energyassistance.nj.gov.
- For assistance with your application, or to check your application status, call the NJ Utility Assistance hotline at 800-510-3102. This hotline can also connect you with a local application agency. If you are disabled, homebound, or lack access to a smartphone or computer, you can also request a home visit for application assistance through this hotline.
*The USF application is shared with the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), allowing you to apply for both simultaneously during the HEAP season (October 1st – June 30th). During summer months, you can apply for USF online only.
Important Note: You cannot directly apply for Fresh Start. Enrollment is automatic if you are eligible for USF and have an overdue balance. PSE&G will notify you of your Fresh Start enrollment and provide program details by mail.
USF is managed by the Department of Community Affairs, while the Fresh Start program is administered by utility companies like PSE&G, with oversight from the Board of Public Utilities.
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is another crucial resource for New Jersey residents, including PSE&G customers. HEAP assists households with heating costs and medically necessary cooling expenses. Renters whose heating costs are included in their rent may also be eligible for HEAP. Applications are accepted from October 1st through June 30th each year, or until program funds are exhausted. As mentioned, the HEAP application is combined with the USF application. Refer to the “How do I apply for USF and USF-Fresh Start?” section above for application details.
HEAP is administered by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.
Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric (PAGE) Program
The Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric (PAGE) Program offers further support for low- to moderate-income New Jersey households, including PSE&G customers, struggling with gas and electric bills (refer to the income limits table above). It is recommended that those eligible for USF apply for USF first before seeking additional aid from PAGE. To check your eligibility, apply online, or download an application, visit www.sharesnation.org or call 1-866-657-4273.
Beyond utility bills, SHARES also provides assistance to eligible NJ households for various essential bills, including telephone, broadband (internet), water, wastewater, tax, rent, and mortgage bills. For more details, call 1-866-657-4273 or visit www.sharesnation.org.
PAGE is administered by SHARES and is funded by the New Jersey Department of the Treasury, contingent upon fund availability.
Important Note: Households including undocumented individuals are eligible to apply for USF, PAGE, and HEAP. While HEAP requires at least one household member to have a Social Security number, this is not a requirement for USF and PAGE. For further information, dial 2-1-1.
Winter Termination Program (WTP)
The Winter Termination Program (WTP) provides crucial protection against utility shut-offs during the winter months (November 15 to March 15). This program safeguards specific categories of customers from having their water, wastewater, gas, or electric services disconnected during this period. Protected categories include those participating in:
- Lifeline Credit Program
- Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
- Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
- Federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD)
- General Assistance (GA) benefits
- Universal Service Fund (USF)
- Individuals unable to pay utility bills due to circumstances beyond their control, such as unemployment, illness, medical expenses, recent death in the family, or other financial hardships.
To request WTP protection, contact your utility company, such as Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G). If you have questions about WTP that PSE&G cannot answer, please contact the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities at: 800-624-0241.
The Winter Termination Program is administered by NJBPU.
Residential Reconnection Based on Utility Assistance Application
For customers not previously enrolled in an assistance program in the prior year and facing disconnection from Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G) or another NJ utility, service reconnection is possible. By providing proof of application for USF, LIHEAP, or PAGE and making a down payment (up to 25% of the outstanding balance), you can have your service restored.
Lifeline Program (Energy Assistance) for Seniors and the Disabled
The Lifeline Program offers an annual energy benefit to qualified New Jersey seniors and individuals with disabilities. This benefit can significantly help eligible homeowners and renters with their PSE&G electric and/or natural gas costs. You can apply for Lifeline through the NJSAVE application, available at www.aging.nj.gov. For additional information about the Lifeline program, call 1-800-792-9745, or visit click here.
Lifeline is administered by the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS).
Comfort Partners Program
The New Jersey Comfort Partners Program is a free initiative designed to help income-eligible customers lower their utility bills. This program implements cost-effective energy-saving measures, improving home energy efficiency, safety, and comfort at no cost to the homeowner. Through Comfort Partners, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU), in partnership with your utility provider, such as Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G), works with you to reduce energy consumption and utility expenses, enhance home comfort, and improve home health and safety. For more information, visit here or call (866) 378-4345.
Community Solar Energy Program (CSEP)
The Community Solar Energy Program (CSEP) promotes the development of solar energy throughout New Jersey by providing incentives to eligible community solar facilities. This NJBPU program allows Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G) customers, and other utility customers, to participate in solar energy projects located remotely from their property. To learn more, call 866-657-6278 or visit https://njcleanenergy.com/renewable-energy/programs/susi-program/csep.
Sponsored by the NJ Board of Public Utilities’ New Jersey Clean Energy Program.
Lifeline (Federal Telephone Assistance Program)
The federal Lifeline telephone assistance program offers a monthly benefit of up to $9.25 towards phone or internet services for eligible subscribers (and up to $34.25 for those on Tribal lands). Eligibility is based on income (at or below 135% of federal poverty guidelines) or participation in other assistance programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA), Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit, Tribal programs, and Medicaid.
Telephone assistance is available to qualified residential telephone customers. Eligibility requirements, benefits, and restrictions may vary by telephone company and program. Contact your local telephone company in New Jersey to inquire about participating in Lifeline Assistance. For more information, contact the Universal Service Administration Company (USAC), which administers Lifeline for the Federal Communications Commission, at 888-641-8722 or visit www.lifelinesupport.org.
