Payment Assistance Programs

The state of New Jersey offers multiple payment assistance programs for customers struggling to pay their energy bill. Descriptions of the programs, application periods and eligibility guidelines are available below. You can also download a flyer in English and Spanish to learn more about the programs here.

To apply for these programs, the following documents are required:

  • Identification for PSE&G account holder
  • Copy of lease or mortgage
  • Most current PSE&G bill (all pages)
  • Proof of one month of household income (within the past 30 days)
  • Social security cards for every household member
  • Other documents may be required to determine eligibility

 

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) 

  • LIHEAP helps customers pay for winter heating bills and medically-necessary cooling costs. Homeowners and renters are eligible, and you don’t have to be behind on your bill to apply. Income-eligible customers can receive an average of $400 toward their PSE&G heating bill and $500 toward medically-necessary cooling costs.

LIHEAP and USF use the same application. If you apply for LIHEAP, you are also applying for USF.

Universal Service Fund (USF) and Fresh Start Program (FSP)

Applications accepted year-round.

  • USF helps make energy bills more affordable. Income-eligible customers can receive a $5 to $180 monthly USF credit toward their bill. The USF Fresh Start Program (FSP) also offers forgiveness of past-due balances of over $60.
  • The Fresh Start Program (part of USF) offers forgiveness of past-due balances of over $60. Customers who apply for USF will be screened for FSP and do not have to apply for FSP. As of Oct. 1, 2024, customers are only eligible for FSP every 5 years.

How you can apply:

  • Apply online here.
  • Apply in-person:
    • Download an application and submit it to the social-service intake agency in your county via mail, fax or email with all the required documents. To find local social-service agencies that can process your application, you can also call 1-800-510-3102.
    • Pick up an application at one of the PSE&G’s Customer Service Centers and submit it to the social-service intake agency in your county via mail, fax or email with all the required documents. 

For more information, visit NJ Department of Community Affairs Energy Assistance, or call 1-800-510-3102, 7 days a week, 9 a.m.- 9 p.m.

 

NJ SHARES (NJS) Energy Assistance Grants

The application period for NJ SHARES is currently closed until January 2025.


  • Income-eligible customers with an outstanding balance on their energy bill, can receive assistance from NJS of up to $3,800 through the following three grants:
    • NJ Board of Utilities Payment Assistance Gas and Electric (NJBPU PAGE)
    • NJS Utility SMART Assistance
    • NJS Energy Assistance
  • To apply for NJ BPU PAGE and NJS SMART, you must first apply and be approved for LIHEAP/USF. If you have not applied or have been denied from LIHEAP/USF, you may be eligible for NJS Energy Assistance.
  • A "good faith" payment of up to $100 may be required within 90 days prior to applying.

How you can apply: 

 

For more information, visit NJ SHARES or call 1-866-NJSHARES (1-866-657-4273) or text help to 64405.

 

New Jersey Lifeline for Seniors and Disabled Adults

Applications accepted year-round.

  • NJ Lifeline is a $225 yearly electric or gas bill credit for seniors or disabled adults. To qualify, you must be a New Jersey resident, 65 years of age or older, or 18 years of age or older and receiving Social Security Title II Disability benefits.
  • Income limits (not the household income) for 2024 are less than $52,142 for a single person and less than $59,209 if married. 

 

How you can apply: 

 

For more information, visit NJ Lifeline or call the New Jersey Department of Human Services Division of Aging at 1-800-792-9745.