If you’re staring at a gas or electric bill you can’t pay, New Jersey has several programs that may be able to help.
And there’s especially good news right now: New Jersey’s 2026-2027 LIHEAP application period is officially open.
Applications opened October 1, 2026. Depending on your situation, you may also qualify for monthly utility discounts through the Universal Service Fund (USF) or forgiveness of old utility debt through Fresh Start.
Here’s what you need to know.
Is New Jersey LIHEAP Open Right Now?
Yes.
New Jersey’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, usually called LIHEAP or HEA, opened its 2026-2027 application period on October 1, 2026.
Applications are scheduled to remain open through June 30, 2027, but they’re processed on a first-come, first-served basis until funding runs out or the application period ends, whichever comes first.
LIHEAP helps eligible households with home heating costs and certain medically necessary cooling expenses.
You can apply through New Jersey’s DCAid portal or through an authorized local application agency.
What Is USF, and What Does It Pay For?
New Jersey’s Universal Service Fund (USF) provides a monthly credit that reduces eligible households’ natural gas and electric bills.
Unlike LIHEAP, USF isn’t simply a one-time payment.
Eligible participants receive at least $20 per month, while the maximum benefit is $200 per month for gas and electric combined.
The amount is primarily based on your household income and how much you spend on energy relative to that income.
USF applications are available year-round. During the LIHEAP season, the same application can be used for both LIHEAP and USF, so you don’t need to submit two separate applications.
What Is Fresh Start?
If you’re already behind on your gas or electric bill, there’s another program you should know about.
Fresh Start is New Jersey’s utility debt-forgiveness program for eligible USF customers.
If you have an overdue balance of at least $60 when you enroll in USF and meet the Fresh Start requirements, your utility company can automatically enroll you.
There’s no separate Fresh Start application.
Each month you pay your required current monthly charges in full, your utility company generally forgives 1/12 of the overdue balance included in Fresh Start.
That means eligible participants who successfully complete the program can have their Fresh Start balance forgiven over 12 months.
Fresh Start is generally available once every five years.
Your utility company will provide information explaining your specific requirements after you’re enrolled.
Who Qualifies for LIHEAP and USF?
For the 2026-2027 program year, both LIHEAP and USF use an income limit of 60% of New Jersey’s State Median Income (SMI).
Current annual income limits include:
| Household Size | Maximum Annual Gross Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $51,273 |
| 2 | $67,049 |
| 3 | $82,825 |
| 4 | $98,602 |
| 5 | $114,378 |
| 6 | $130,154 |
| 7 | $133,112 |
| 8 | $136,070 |
| 9 | $139,028 |
| 10 | $141,986 |
| 11 | $144,944 |
| 12 | $147,903 |
For households larger than 12 people, New Jersey provides additional income allowances for each additional household member.
For USF, you’ll also need a residential electric or natural gas bill in the name of a household member.
For LIHEAP, your household must be responsible for home heating or cooling costs, either directly or through your rent.
That means renters may qualify, including some households whose heating costs are included in their rent.
There are additional rules for households living in public or subsidized housing, so check the current program requirements if that applies to you.
What About Cooling Assistance?
LIHEAP isn’t only about winter heating bills.
New Jersey also provides $300 in medically necessary cooling assistance for qualifying households.
This isn’t a general $300 cooling payment for everyone who qualifies for LIHEAP. The household must meet the program’s requirements for medically necessary cooling assistance.
How Do I Apply?
You can apply online through New Jersey’s DCAid portal.
During the current LIHEAP season, the application also serves as an application for USF, so you can be considered for both programs at the same time.
You’ll generally need information and documentation about your household, income, housing and utility costs.
You can also apply with help from an authorized local application agency.
For more information about LIHEAP or USF or to locate the nearest application agency, call 1-800-510-3102.
What If I Already Receive USF?
If you’re already enrolled in USF, your monthly credit can continue helping reduce your eligible gas or electric costs.
USF applications are available year-round and aren’t limited to LIHEAP’s October-through-June application period.
If you’re unsure whether you’re enrolled or whether Fresh Start applies to your account, check your assistance status or contact your utility company.
Don’t Wait Until Winter
The 2026-2027 LIHEAP application period is open now.
New Jersey says applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis until funding runs out or June 30, 2027, whichever comes first.
That means you don’t have to wait until temperatures drop or your utility balance gets worse before applying.
If you think you may qualify, check your eligibility and submit your application while funding remains available.
Relief Recap
New Jersey residents struggling with gas or electric costs may have several options.
LIHEAP can help eligible households with heating costs and certain medically necessary cooling expenses.
USF can provide an ongoing monthly gas and electric bill credit of up to $200 combined.
And eligible Fresh Start participants may be able to have existing utility arrears forgiven by keeping up with their required current payments.
New Jersey also has other utility assistance programs, weatherization assistance and certain shutoff protections.
For more options, read our guide to saving money on New Jersey power bills.
