TRENTON, NJ — November 2, 2026 — New Jersey residents struggling with rising electricity and natural gas costs may qualify for up to $200 per month in utility bill assistance through the state’s Universal Service Fund (USF), as officials encourage eligible households to apply ahead of the winter heating season.
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) announced on October 30 that the expanded program is accepting applications for the new energy assistance year, which began October 1.
The program, administered by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, provides recurring monthly credits to help low- and moderate-income households manage their utility bills.
With winter approaching and household budgets under pressure, state officials are working to ensure that more residents know financial assistance is available.
Monthly Assistance Increased to $200
Under the expanded Universal Service Fund program, eligible households can receive larger credits toward their gas and electric bills.
The minimum monthly credit has increased from $5 to $20 for each qualifying gas or electric account.
The maximum combined monthly assistance has also increased from $180 to $200.
These increases were approved in 2025 and remain in effect for the current program year.
The amount each household receives depends on its income, energy expenses, and other qualifying factors.
The maximum $200 benefit applies to combined gas and electric assistance, not $200 for each utility.
USF benefits are applied directly to utility bills rather than paid as cash to participating households.
Who Qualifies for Assistance?
The Universal Service Fund is designed to assist households with limited income and significant energy expenses.
To qualify, a household generally must have gross annual income at or below 60% of New Jersey’s state median income.
The program also considers the percentage of household income spent on electricity and natural gas.
Households spending more than 2% of their income on electricity or natural gas may qualify for additional assistance. For homes heated with electricity, the relevant energy-burden threshold is 4%.
Eligible households that do not meet the higher energy-burden thresholds may still receive the program’s minimum monthly credit.
Residents must meet applicable utility-account and residency requirements.
Eligibility and benefit amounts are determined individually.
More Than 8,000 New Households Enrolled
New Jersey has also expanded efforts to help residents access financial assistance.
According to the NJBPU, utility companies exceeded their first-year statewide enrollment target during the previous program year, enrolling more than 8,000 first-time USF participants.
The state’s seven gas and electric utilities are now required to undertake additional outreach and provide direct assistance to eligible customers.
Some utilities have organized enrollment events at senior centers, payment offices, and community organizations.
Others have introduced mobile assistance services to help residents complete applications.
These efforts are intended to reach households that may qualify for financial aid but have not previously applied.
Residents Can Apply for Two Programs at Once
A significant feature of New Jersey’s energy assistance system is that residents can apply for the Universal Service Fund and the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) through a single application.
The programs serve different purposes.
USF provides recurring monthly credits to reduce gas and electric bills.
LIHEAP provides financial assistance with heating costs, including electricity, natural gas, and certain delivered fuels.
LIHEAP may also assist qualifying households whose heating costs are included in their rent.
Additional assistance may be available for emergency energy needs, medically necessary cooling expenses, or heating system repairs.
Eligible residents may receive benefits from both programs.
Help Is Available for Overdue Utility Bills
New Jersey also operates the USF-Fresh Start program, which can help qualifying households reduce outstanding utility debt.
Eligible customers enrolled in USF who have overdue utility balances of at least $60 may be automatically enrolled in Fresh Start.
Under the program, a portion of eligible existing debt is forgiven each month when customers pay their current utility charges in full.
Over 12 months, qualifying participants may have the entire eligible overdue balance forgiven if they meet the program’s requirements.
This assistance can be particularly important for households struggling to recover from past financial difficulties while keeping up with current bills.
Protection Against Winter Utility Shutoffs
In addition to financial assistance, New Jersey provides seasonal protection against utility disconnections for qualifying households.
The state’s Winter Termination Program runs from November 15 through March 15.
During this period, eligible residents may receive protection against utility service shutoffs.
Customers who believe they qualify should contact their utility company and request enrollment.
These protections are separate from monthly USF bill credits and are subject to the program’s eligibility rules.
Residents experiencing financial difficulties are encouraged to seek help before their accounts reach the point of disconnection.
How to Apply
Applications for the 2026–2027 energy assistance year opened October 1.
Residents can submit one application for both USF and LIHEAP through the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.
Official application website: https://www.nj.gov/dca/dcaid
Eligibility information: https://www.energyassistance.nj.gov
Energy assistance hotline: 1-800-510-3102
The hotline provides information about income eligibility, available assistance, application status, and locations offering in-person help.
The LIHEAP application period runs through June 30, 2027. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis while funding remains available.
Residents are encouraged to apply promptly.
Why This Matters for New Jersey Families
Electricity and natural gas costs are essential household expenses, particularly during colder months when heating demand increases.
For families with limited incomes, higher utility bills can create difficult choices between energy costs and other necessities such as food, rent, transportation, and healthcare.
Monthly utility credits can help reduce that financial pressure.
The expanded USF program is part of a broader effort by New Jersey officials to improve energy affordability, increase participation in assistance programs, and strengthen consumer protections.
However, eligibility is not automatic, and households must complete the application process to determine what assistance they can receive.
With applications now open and winter approaching, New Jersey residents facing high utility bills have an opportunity to seek financial assistance of up to $200 per month, along with additional programs that may help with heating expenses and overdue balances.
By NJ RADAR Team