Sometimes We Have To Help Others
This morning, I want to share information on assistance that is available for seniors and others who are struggling to pay utility bills. Informaton is power. If you dont know where to turn or who to call first when you have a problem, you may be lost. The following information was presented by the NJ Board of Public Utiliites. I hope by sharing it on my blog, more people who need the help, will find the information.
Comfort Partners
This Program is designed to improve energy affordability for income eligible households through direct installation of free energy efficiency measures and education about energy saving steps. For more information please call 1-888-773-8326 or click here
LIHEAP
This program administered by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, helps pay for heating costs and may cover certain medically-necessary cooling expenses. Submit an application for LIHEAP from November 1st, through April 30th. For more information, please call 1-800-510-3102 or click here
Universal Service Fund-Energy (USF)
This program helps make energy bills more affordable for qualifying households whose annual household income is at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Households most in need receive the highest benefit . Benefits appear as a credit on the household electric and/or gas bill (capped at $1,800 per year).
Fresh Start, a special program under USF, allows eligible New Jersey households participating in USF to earn forgiveness for pre-existing amounts owed by making full, on-time payments for 12 months. For more information about USF, please go to www.energyassistance.nj.gov or call toll free at: 1-866-240-1347
Winter Termination Program
Protects specific categories of customers from having their gas or electric shut off between November 15th and March 15th. Those enrolled in specific programs (such as SSI, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, USF and Lifeline) are protected by WTP, and an additional “catch-all” category is included for people unable to pay their utility bills because of circumstances beyond their control such as unemployment or illness For more information on the Winter Termination Program, please call 1-800-624-0241.
Lifeline Program
Provides a $225 energy benefit to seniors and the disabled who meet the PAAD eligibility requirements or who receive SSI. The benefit is also available to customers who have electric and gas costs included in their rent. For more information about Lifeline, please call 1-800-792-9745.
NJSHARES NJ SHARES is a non-profit corporation that provides assistance to individuals and families living in New Jersey who are in need of temporary help in paying their energy bills. To qualify for NJ SHARES, a person or family must be facing a financial crisis and not be eligible for welfare or other income-based energy assistance programs. Recipients must also have a history of good-faith payments of their utility bills. Applications for NJ SHARES grants can be made at any of the more than 150 participating social service agencies throughout the state. Upon approval, recipients may receive a one-time grant of up to $700 for gas and up to $300 for electric (or up to $700 for an all-electric home). Please call NJSHARES at 1-866-657-4273 or visit them at www.njshares.org
Telephone Assistance
Provides a discount on your monthly bill and/or provide a reduction in installation fees. Eligibility is determined based on your income or participation in other assistance programs. In general, if you participate in any of the following programs you also may qualify for telephone assistance: Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance to Needy Families/Work First New Jersey (TANF), General Assistance, Lifeline Utility Credit/Tenants Lifeline Assistance, Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD), Food Stamp Program, Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP/HEAP), Medicaid. Telephone assistance is available to you if you are a qualified residential telephone customer. The federal government sponsors two programs, namely Lifeline and Link-Up.
Lifeline provides you with a discount to your monthly bill that could be as much as $16.29 depending on your local telephone company.
Link-Up provides a 50 percent reduction in the initial telephone connection charges (up to $30.00).
The following list of telephone service providers participate in Lifeline Assistance and Link Up programs in New Jersey: Embarq/United Telephone Company of NJ, Inc., Verizon New Jersey Inc, and Warwick Valley Telephone Company. If you are a Verizon New Jersey customer, please call NJSHARES at 1-888-337-3339 or visit them at NJSHARES for more information. If you are a customer of Embarq/United Telephone Company of New Jersey or Warwick Valley Telephone Company please contact your local telephone company to participate in their program.
NJ EASE (New Jersey Easy Access, Single Entry) An easy way for seniors and their families to get information about and access senior services. NJ EASE is one toll-free telephone number to put you in touch with someone to help you learn about and apply for important programs and benefits. NJ EASE staff members are trained to provide you with answers and information on a wide variety of topics, including: Healthcare Insurance Home Care Services Long Term Care Options Transportation Social Activities Nutrition Volunteer Opportunities And more… NJ EASE promotes independence, dignity and choice for New Jersey’s older adults. For more information, call 1-877-222-3737 or visit http://www.state.nj.us/health/senior/sanjease.shtml.
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Leander McClain, Burlington /Camden County, NJ Realtor & Real Estate Consultant, Keller Williams Realty, 1814 Route 70 E Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 856-685-1677 Direct
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