Home Energy Assistance Department

LIHEAP and USF (Low Income Home Energy Assistance and Universal Service Fund)

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.

Cooling Assistance

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.

Gift of Warmth

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)

NJ Shares – ACE Helping Hand, Suez Water Cares, American Water

ACE Helping Hand 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.

For information on programs above please contact the Home Energy Assistance office in your area:

Toms River – 732-244-9041

Lakewood – 732-942-3405

Barnegat Satellite Office – 609-549-5822 (by appointment only)

Atlantic City: 609-345-1359

Pleasantville: 609-677-8202

Galloway: 609-677-6801

Poverty Income Guidelines – updated 4/13/2018