PSE&G reminds customers that Thursday, April 30, is the deadline to apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
The LIHEAP program helps pay electric or gas heating bills and, in some cases, medically necessary cooling expenses. PSE&G customers who meet the guidelines for LIHEAP typically receive about $300 toward their PSE&G bill. The application period for LIHEAP ends on April 30 and will reopen on Oct. 1.
“We urge customers to apply now – before the April 30 deadline – for help paying their energy bills this year,” said Greg Dunlap, PSE&G’s vice president for customer operations. “The application process is free, and customers can talk to a PSE&G representative about programs available to help with their bills.”
Eligibility is based on household size and the last month of household gross income. Renters may qualify, even if the heat is included in their rent. The chart below provides income eligibility information.
Customers who have received their LIHEAP benefit this year and are behind in their bills can apply for additional financial help through the emergency LIHEAP program. To qualify, LIHEAP emergency assistance, customer must have a shut-off notice on their PSE&G bill, be a heating customer and have their LIHEAP benefit posted on their bill.
Also, customers who apply for LIHEAP are automatically screened for the Universal Service Fund (USF). USF can make PSE&G bills more affordable with a monthly bill credit of up to $150. Although there are two programs, there is only one application.
LIHEAP applications are available at all of PSE&G’s 16 walk-in customer service centers listed on customer bills. Completed applications should include copies of all required documentation and be turned in to a local agency in your county. For more information or to locate your nearest application agency, visit www.pseg.com/help or call 1-800-510-3102.
PSE&G households that are not eligible for low income programs and are behind in their PSE&G bill should visit www.pseg.com/help to learn about moderate income programs that accept applications year round. These include:
Payment Assistance Gas and Electric (PAGE): PSE&G customers can receive up to $1,400 from PAGE, depending on the balance owed towards their bill. Applicant must meet the PAGE program guidelines and income eligibility. Also, applicant must have a balance on their PSE&G bill; have received a disconnection notice; disconnected for non-payment or have an active payment plan with PSE&G for paying off the balance.
NJ SHARES (NJS): PSE&G customers can receive up to $500 for electric and up to $700 for gas, depending on the balance owed on their PSE&G bill. Customers may apply if denied a PAGE benefit.
New Jersey Lifeline Credit program: Seniors who are at least 65 years old, and disabled adults who are at least 18 years old and receiving Social Security Disability can apply to receive a $225 yearly credit. A customer’s annual gross income (not the household income) must be less than $26,575 if single, or less than $32,582 if married.
For more information on LIHEAP and other payment assistance programs, please visit www.pseg.com/help or call 1-800-510-3102.
