HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE

The Home Energy Assistance and Universal Service Fund programs provide assistance to households that meet the Federal Government income guidelines (200% of poverty for Home Energy Assistance and State income guidelines 175% of poverty for Universal Service Fund) and are unable to pay their heating bill due to hardship or circumstances beyond their control.  Assistance is provided through a one-time payment in a given heating season for Home Energy. Universal Service Funds are monthly credits based on eligibility income, other benefits received and utility usage for 12 consecutive months.  Amount of Universal Service Fund is determined by the utility company.

Applicants who meet the Home Energy Assistance income eligibility and can provide a doctor’s note or certification that they or a member of their household has a documented medical need for cooling in the summer months may receive cooling assistance if funds are available.

The Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric (PAGE) Program provides relief on natural gas and electric bills for low- to moderate-income New Jersey households that are past due on their utility bills and are experiencing a temporary financial crisis.

Atlantic and Ocean County Applicants whose household annual income exceeds the Home Energy Assistance Program’s income eligibility and receives gas and/or electric services from the following companies: Atlantic City Electric, Jersey Central Power and Light, New Jersey Natural Gas and South Jersey Gas can be considered for assistance with their utility bills through the PAGE Program.

Call (732) 244-9041 or 848-290-1580 or e-mail oceanhea@oceaninc.orgfor more information and to request a PAGE application

Gift of Warmth is an assistance program funded by NJ Natural Gas exclusively for their customers who heat their homes with NJ Natural Gas.  Client may apply for Gift of Warmth AFTER they have applied for Home Energy Assistance (if eligible) or the PAGE program (in not eligible for Home Energy Assistance)

ACE Helping Hands is an assistance program for customers of Atlantic City Electric when funding is available.  Approval and amount of benefit is determined by NJ Shares.  Call for an appointment.

Suez Water Cares:  Assistance for SUEZ Water customers in Toms River area only.  Based on availability of funds.  Approval and amount of benefit determined by NJ Shares. Call for appointment.

American Water: Assistance for American Water customers in Lakewood area only. Based on availability of funds.  Approval and amount of benefit is determined by NJ Shares. Call for appointment.