![]() ![]() If found eligible, you will receive a notice in the mail from DCA with your USF benefit amount. You will be notified by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) regarding your USF eligibility status. USF/LIHEAP applications and a list of agencies in your area that accept applications are available on the Internet at: you can call the USF Hotline at: 1-80 or email If you are disabled or home bound, please call this hotline number to request an appointment for a home visit from a USF/LIHEAP outreach agency. In addition, you may be asked to provide additional information to assist in determining your eligibility for USF. This does not guarantee enrollment in either or both programs because you will still have to meet each program’s eligibility criteria. Please note: If you apply for Food Stamps and/or the Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD) Program, the data on your Food Stamps and PAAD applications will also be checked for eligibility into USF and LIHEAP. You can use the joint USF/LIHEAP application to apply for both programs at any time of year. A customer’s energy burden is calculated using an adjustment for any anticipated changes in energy prices in the coming year. ![]() The maximum total annual USF benefit for any given household is up to $2,160. If you also receive a Lifeline benefit, that benefit is applied to the natural gas and/or electric utility bill based on the information you provided the state. It is applied only once to the utility providing energy for heating purposes. However, the LIHEAP credit is not counted a second time. Please Note: A similar calculation would be made using a customer’s electricity costs. Maximum Natural Gas Bill Burden under USFĬustomer’s Maximum USF Natural Gas Burden Step #2 – Determine what the customer should be paying for natural gas under USF Step #1 – Determine the customer’s current natural gas burden Here is an example of how a USF benefit would be calculated for a sample natural gas bill: The USF benefit is calculated based on a number of factors, including your annual household income, benefits that your household receives from the Lifeline program and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and your annual energy burden, which is based on the electric and natural gas bills for your household. Therefore, the amount of the USF credit is determined individually for each eligible customer and may change during the course of the benefit year. The size of monthly USF credit is based on total household income and the amount of money you typically pay for gas and electric service. If you are found eligible to participate in the USF program, you will receive a credit on your electric and/or natural gas bill to help reduce the cost. Please Note: Municipal utilities and the services they provide are not covered by USF. USF recipients must reside at the address provided on their utility account, and USF benefits will only be offered to the person/head of household or spouse listed on the utility account. If you heat your home with electricity, you must spend more than 4% of your income on electricity. To be eligible for USF you must meet two qualifications:ġ) Your total gross annual household income must be less than or equal to 400% of theįederal Poverty Level (FPL) (see below) andĢ) You must also spend more than 2% of your income for electric service or more than 2% of your income for natural gas service. The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) administers the USF program. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the BPU has temporarily expanded the USF program so that moderate income households can take advantage of USF monthly credits and Fresh Start energy debt forgiveness. The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) has created the Universal Service Fund (USF) program to help make electric and natural gas bills more affordable. What should I do if I am still having trouble paying my bill? How can I get additional information about USF? If my income changes during the year, can my USF benefit be updated?Ĭan my utility service be shut-off even if I receive USF? If I move during the year, can I still continue to receive my USF benefit? Will my USF benefit be different from year to year? Will I get a USF benefit for both my natural gas bill and my electric bill? How will I receive my USF credit? Will I get a check? Will receiving USF affect or make me lose any other assistance I get? Why is my USF credit different than my friend/neighbor? I live in subsidized housing, am I eligible for USF? If I heat with oil or propane will I be eligible for USF benefits?ĭoes everyone who receives Lifeline or LIHEAP qualify for a USF benefit? How will I know if I am going to get a benefit? What is the Universal Service Fund (USF)?ĭoes the USF benefit take into account that energy prices may change during the year? ![]() UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND – Frequently Asked Questions ![]()
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