The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has announced the commencement of the Winter Termination Program (WTP), which began on November 15, 2024. This annual program aims to prevent utility service disconnections for eligible customers during the cold winter months. It complements other assistance programs like the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) that help residents pay their utility bills on time.
"We understand the magnitude of financial challenges families sometimes face in balancing housing, food, transportation, and healthcare costs, among other needs. Our commitment is to provide necessary support to keep families protected from the cold during winter. If you are struggling to pay your home heating costs this year, please contact DCA. Funds are available," said DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez.
"The Winter Termination Program ensures access to essential utilities for low-income families, seniors, and individuals with medical conditions during winter months. By preventing utility shutoffs, the program supports public health and safety while providing critical assistance to those most in need from November 15 to March 15," stated Christine Guhl-Sadovy, President of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU).
Eligible customers for WTP protection include:
- Beneficiaries of the Federal Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).
- Recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
- Recipients of federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
- Participants in Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD).
- General Assistance subsidy recipients.
- Universal Service Fund (USF) beneficiaries.
- Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program participants.
- Lifeline Credit Program beneficiaries.
- Individuals unable to pay utility bills due to uncontrollable circumstances such as unemployment or illness.
The NJBPU administers WTP. Residents seeking more information should contact their utility company or call 1-800-624-0241.
Participants in WTP are expected to pay what they can each month to avoid large overdue balances at the end of the moratorium period.
LIHEAP is one of several aid plans offered by DCA for New Jersey households needing basic resources like housing and heating. LIHEAP assists households earning 60% or less than the state median income ($7,676 per month for a family of four) with energy costs including electricity and gas. The USF provides monthly credits on electricity and gas bills for homes meeting specific income criteria.
To apply for LIHEAP assistance, visit DCAid's portal at http://www.nj.gov/dca/dcaid where applicants can also check other available benefits. Those without computer access can call 1-800-510-3102 for help from community action agencies associated with DCA.
A list of community organizations offering assistance is available at https://www.nj.gov/dca/dhcr/offices/pdf/LIHEAP_Agencies%20updated.pdf on DCA's website.
Applications for LIHEAP are reviewed continuously and granted on a first-come-first-served basis; applicants are encouraged not to delay submitting their applications.
DCA offers a wide range of programs and services including local government administration and finance, affordable housing development, fire safety, building safety, community planning and development, disaster recovery and mitigation, historic preservation, and information privacy.
