Utility Assistance

There are a few different options to make your utility bills more affordable. Benefits are available to assist paying for electric, phone, and internet bills.

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Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a benefit to assist in paying your electric bill. They provide a $500 cooling benefit for those who can provide a doctors note confirming they need the A/C unit on due to their health condition. If there are funds available, HEA may be able to provide assistance for a one-time purchase of an A/C unit.

 

Similar to LIHEAP, the Universal Service Fund (USF) also provides a credit towards the electric bill. The income limits for both LIHEAP/USF are; $3,676/month for a single person, and $4,807 for a couple.

 

Applications for both HEA and USF can be completed online. Both program also offer assistance in paying overdue balances to avoid shut offs. 

 

The Universal Service Administration Company is a federal program that provides support to pay for phone and internet services. Lifeline through USAC provides $9.25 off of monthly phone, internet, or bundle services. Applications are submitted online.

 

USAC also funds Assurance Wireless, which is a free smart Cell Phone. Applications are submitted online. 

 

Both programs mentioned are contingent upon income limits, or people can qualify if they participate in programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Veterans Pensions, or receive Federal Public Housing Assistance. Most residents at Ridge Oak qualify because they receive federal public housing assistance through HUD.

 

Although they have the same name, Lifeline through the state of NJ is different than Lifeline through USAC, as mentioned above. Lifeline through the state of NJ provides a yearly credit of $225 for electric bills. To be eligible, individuals and couples must be eligible for PAAD (see pharmaceutical assistance page) with an income lower than $4,245/month for an individual and $4,934/month for a couple. Applications can be submitted to NJ Division of Aging Services (DoAS) through the NJSAVE application online.