NJ Residents - HELP is Available for your Energy Bills through NJ Shares
Don't feel trapped by these hard economic times...help is available for you and your family.
NJ Shares helps families going through short-term financial setbacks. They have recognized the economic crisis everyone is facing across the State of New Jersey and that there are many families who may need energy assistance. The great news is that as of January 24, 2009, NJ Shares has raised the income cap of 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. By raising the cap the NJ Shares program will be able to provide assistance for middle and fixed income households.
In order to be eligible for the program, customers must
not be eligible for the Universal Service Program (USF) or the Low Income Home Energy Program (LIHEAP) AND the applicant's gross monthly income must NOT exceed 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. Once approved, you can get up to
$700 for your gas bill(s) and up to
$300 to pay your electric bill(s). For homes heated by electric-only, you can get up to $700. However, if you are within the USF/LIHEAP income guidelines provided in this chart, then you should apply for the USF/LIHEAP programs beginning November 1, 2008. If your even one dollar or more over the USF/LIHEAP income guidelines provided and below the 400 percent cap provided, then you can apply for the
New Jersey SHARES program.
*Gross Monthly Income over the LIHEAP and USF Charts and below the NJS 400% cap can be applied for NJ SHARES. Within this chart should be referred to LIHEAP and USF* 2009 Income Guideline Chart for LIHEAP, USF and NJ SHARES House-hold Size
| Gross Monthly Income for LIHEAP 225%FPL
| Gross Monthly Income for USF
175% FPL
| Gross Monthly Income CAP for NJS
400% FPL
|
1
| $1,950
| $1,517
| $3,610
|
2
| $2,625
| $2,042
| $4,857
|
3
| $3,300
| $2,567
| $6,103
|
4
| $3,975
| $3,092
| $7,350
|
5
| $4,650
| $3,617
| $8,630
|
6
| $5,325
| $4,142
| $9,843
|
7
| $6,000
| $4,667
| $11,090
|
8
| $6,675
| $5,192
| $12,337
|
9
| $7,350
| $5,717
| $13,583
|
10
| $8,025
| $6,242
| $14,830
|
Greater than 10
| Add $177 for each household member
| Add $525 for each household member
| Add $1,247 for each household member
|
When applying you must:
- prove a temporary crisis;
- have made a good faith payment of $100 or more within 90 days prior to applying for NJ SHARES;
- The energy bill must be in the applicant's name; and
- The customer must be "at risk" of service termination which can be documented by ANY of the following:
- The customer has received a written notice of arrears or a credit notice.
- The customer's bill shows an arrears balance.
- The customer has or is about to default a payment agreement.
- The customer has a written termination warning on his/her bill.
- The customer's service is actually off.
- The customer has received a "shut-off" notice.
Required Documentation for Household Grant Applications"
- Personal ID for applicant;
- Proof of income;
- Most recent energy provider bill; and
- A copy of your signature on the application.
In addition, applicants over 65 years of age and/or recipients of Social Security Disability with households of two or less members will be eligible for NJ Shares if the household income maximum is $70,000 annually or $5,833 monthly. The applicant must show proof of age and/or the federal SSD benefit.
NJ SHARES accepts applications all year. TO APPLY CALL 1-866-657-4273 or visit http://www.njshares.org/whereToApply/index.asp
Additional information and alternate bill assistance programs are available by visiting the PSEG Bill Help Page.
I have applied and am waiting on a decision. When first applying I was told that within ten (10) days you would hear a response but since there is an overwhelming amount of claims, it is now taking longer. I spoke to NJ Shares on Friday and they are expediting my claim. I will not qualify for the gas portion of the payment because I have oil heat but may qualify for the full amount or at the very least a partial amount of the maximum ($300) for the electric portion of my bill.
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