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. The 2023 income limit for single individual is $3,464/month, and $4,530 for a couple. LIHEAP sends a lump sum credit to JCP&L that is applied directly to your account. 

 

Similar to LIHEAP, the Universal Service Fund (USF) also provides a credit towards the electric bill and has higher income limits; $4,530/month for a single person, and $6,103 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.

 

Similar to Lifeline, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provides $30 off of monthly internet costs. Applications are submitted online.

 

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

 

All three 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 for Lifeline and ACP 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 $3,511/month for an individual and $4,100/month for a couple, and/or be receiving Supplementary Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid.

 

Applications can be submitted to NJ Division of Aging Services (DoAS) through the NJSAVE application online.