With just weeks remaining before the June 30 deadline, residents struggling with high gas and electric bills are being urged to apply for available utility assistance programs before funding runs out.
The deadline applies to both the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and Emergency Assistance grants, which can provide critical financial relief to eligible households facing mounting utility costs or potential service shutoffs.
Community advocates warn that households should not wait until the last minute, particularly as additional utility assistance programs may not be available after June 30.
Emergency Assistance is available to qualifying households that were approved for HEAP or Universal Service Fund (USF) benefits during the current season. The program can provide up to $800 toward gas bills and up to $300 toward electric bills for recipients who have received a shutoff notice and have a heating bill in their name.
Residents who have received a gas or electric shutoff notice can apply through New Jersey’s DCAID online portal or by contacting their assigned agency, including O.C.E.A.N., Inc., CARC, or JCP&L.
Officials also stressed that households with large utility balances should not assume they are ineligible simply because they have not yet received a shutoff notice. Those with significant gas bill arrears are encouraged to contact the Lakewood Resource and Referral Center (LRRC) to determine whether they may qualify for Emergency Assistance.
Residents seeking eligibility verification can email utility@lrrcenter.org with their full name, address, utility account information and a copy of their gas bill. LRRC staff will review the information and help determine potential next steps.
Meanwhile, applicants who submitted HEAP or other utility assistance applications but have not yet received a determination are being encouraged to follow up with the agency that processed their application.
O.C.E.A.N., Inc. can be reached at its Toms River office at 732-244-9041, while CARC applicants may visit the agency’s office at 215 Madison Avenue in Lakewood. JCP&L applicants can call 732-212-4150 or email njeaot@firstenergycorp.com.
For applications that have remained in “submitted” status for more than four months, the LRRC said it may be able to help investigate delays. Applicants can send a screenshot of their DCAID portal status or provide their application details and a recent utility bill for assistance.
As the deadline nears, LRRC will also host the final JCP&L outreach event before the June 30 cutoff. Representatives from JCP&L will be available at the LRRC on June 23 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to answer questions and assist residents with utility assistance matters.
Why does it only have to be Turn off notices. We on social security are counting our pennies. My husband’s check is gone after the rent and utilities. My little check goes for food. If I need clothing forget it.