Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP / LIHEAP)
A federally funded program that helps low-income households pay for heating costs and medically necessary cooling. It can provide credits toward past due electric, gas, oil, propane or other fuel bills even if heating is included in rent.
New Jersey Department of Community Affairs | Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)
Universal Service Fund (USF)
A state-run assistance program that provides monthly credits ($20–$200) on electric and natural gas bills to eligible low-income customers of regulated utilities in New Jersey. You don’t necessarily need a past-due balance to qualify.
New Jersey Department of Community Affairs | Universal Service Fund (USF)
Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric (PAGE)
State-funded grants (administered through NJ SHARES) for low- to moderate-income households struggling with utility bills. PAGE grants can provide up to several hundred dollars toward gas and electric payments.
Lifeline Program (Energy Assistance)
Lifeline provides an annual energy benefit to qualified seniors and the disabled. The benefit can help eligible homeowners and renters with electric and/or natural gas costs. You can apply for Lifeline by using the NJSAVE application, available at aging.nj.gov. For more information about Lifeline, call 1-800-792-9745, or click here.
Lifeline is administered by the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS).
Division of Aging Services | Lifeline Utility Assistance
Find Energy Assistance Programs Available to You
Many utility companies offer programs to help customers manage energy costs and avoid service interruptions. We encourage residents to explore the assistance options available through their utility provider:
Shut-Off Protections
Winter Termination Program (WTP)
Protects qualified households from having gas, electric, water or wastewater service shut off during the winter months (typically November 15 – March 15) if they participate in certain assistance programs. Eligible residents must contact their utility company to activate Winter Termination Protection. New Jersey Department of Community Affairs | Winter Termination Program.
Local Application & Direct Assistance Partners
In addition to statewide and utility-based programs, Union County partners with trusted local agencies that help residents apply for assistance and connect to additional supports.
PROCEED, Inc. – Home Energy Assistance Agency (HEA)
PROCEED is Union County’s designated Home Energy Assistance Agency and provides direct support with:
- HEAP / LIHEAP applications
- Universal Service Fund (USF) enrollment
- Weatherization assistance
- Home improvement and lead remediation referrals
Apply/Learn More:
- proceedinc.com/services/utility-assistance-home-improvement
- proceedinc.com/services/utility-assistance-home-improvement/utility-assistance
Residents are encouraged to contact PROCEED for personalized assistance with completing and submitting applications.
United Way of Greater Union County – Hillside Family Success Agency – NJ SHARES Intake
For households seeking assistance through NJ SHARES (electric and water assistance), intake is coordinated through United Way’s Hillside Family Success Agency.
Apply or Locate an Agency:
For More Resources, please visit the Union County Department of Human Services!
Union County Department of Human Services provides a wide range of social services and support programs designed to enhance the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities. Click here
