New Jersey residents impacted by recent delays in federal SNAP benefits may be eligible for several state utility assistance programs and shutoff protections, as families deal with the significant economic disruption caused by the federal government’s failure to issue SNAP benefits in full and on time, a lapse officials say has strained household budgets across the state.
“Over the last few weeks, hundreds of thousands of New Jerseyans have been impacted by the reckless federal decision to not issue SNAP benefits fully and on-time,” Governor Phil Murphy said in a statement. “As the weather gets colder and we continue to face an energy affordability crisis, our Department of Community Affairs continues to offer several programs to protect vulnerable residents from utility shutoffs.”
Murphy encouraged SNAP recipients experiencing difficulty paying their utility bills to review their eligibility for the Winter Termination Program (WTP), a long-standing state safeguard that prevents utility companies from disconnecting natural gas, electric, water, and sewer services between November 15 and March 15.
Residents affected by SNAP delays may qualify for WTP protections if they can demonstrate an inability to pay due to circumstances beyond their control. The protections also extend to customers already enrolled in programs including the Universal Service Fund (USF), Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Lifeline, Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD), Work First New Jersey/Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
LIHEAP, a federally funded program administered by DCA, provides assistance with heating costs, regardless of fuel type, and may also help with medically necessary cooling. Applications are accepted from October 1 through June 30, or until funds run out. Even tenants whose heat is included in their rent may be eligible.
To receive protections under the Winter Termination Program, eligible residents must contact their utility provider directly and notify them of their participation in a qualifying assistance program. This can be done verbally or through a self-certification form, especially for customers receiving electric, water, or sewer service from municipal utilities, local authorities, or rural electric cooperatives. Households can apply for assistance for LIHEAP/Universal Service Fund by visiting DCAid here.
More information on utility assistance programs is available through the Department of Community Affairs.
Additional Programs:
In addition to WTP and LIHEAP, several programs administered or supported by DCA offer ongoing help with utility costs:
UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND (USF) AND FRESH START PROGRAM:
Provides monthly credits on electric and natural gas bills for income-eligible customers. The Fresh Start component offers forgiveness on overdue balances for qualifying USF participants. USF is administered by DCA; Fresh Start is administered by gas and electric utilities in partnership with BPU.
LIFELINE PROGRAM:
Offers annual benefits to eligible low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities to help with electric and natural gas costs. Applications can be completed online at www.aging.nj.gov or by calling 1-800-792-9745.
PAGE (Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric):
Provides grants to help customers prevent disconnection or restore utility service. Households should apply for LIHEAP or USF first, then apply for PAGE if additional support is needed. Apply online at www.sharesnation.org or call 866-657-4273.
NJ SHARES:
A nonprofit that assists income-eligible households in paying for energy, telephone, broadband, water, and wastewater bills. More information is available at www.sharesnation.org or by calling 866-657-4273.