DCA Encourages Residents to Apply for Winter Termination Program Protection

• Posted on: 12/10/2024

Protections Against Utility Shutoffs Are Now Available for Eligible Customers

TRENTON, NJ – The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is reminding New Jersey residents that the Winter Termination Program (WTP), an annual program that prevents utility shutoff for eligible customers during the cold, winter months, began on November 15, 2024. The protection complements other programs and utility payment plans, such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which are available to help customers remain current on their bill payments.

“We understand the financial challenges that families sometimes face as they balance costs for housing, food, transportation, and healthcare, among other needs,” said DCA Jacquelyn A. Suárez. “We are committed to providing the support needed to keep families warm. If you're struggling with home heating costs this year, don't hesitate to contact the DCA. There is funding available.”

“The Winter Termination Program ensures access to essential utility services for low-income families, the elderly, and individuals with medical conditions during the winter months,” said NJ Board of Public Utilities (BPU) President Christine Guhl-Sadovy. “By preventing utility shutoffs, the program supports public health and safety while providing critical relief to those most in need during colder months from November 15 to March 15.”

Customers who are eligible for Winter Termination Program protection include:

1. Recipients of benefits under the Federal Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) or certified as eligible under standards set by the New Jersey Department of Human Services.
2. Recipients of Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF).
3. Recipients of Federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
4. Recipients of Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD).
5. Recipients of General Assistance (GA) benefits.
6. Recipients of the Universal Service Fund (USF).
7. Recipients of the Low-income Household Water Assistance Program.
8. Recipients of benefits under the Lifeline Credit Program.
9. Persons unable to pay their utility bills because of circumstances beyond their control. Such circumstances shall include, but shall not be limited to, unemployment, illness, medically related expenses, recent death of an immediate family member, and any other circumstances, which might cause financial hardship.

The Winter Termination Program is administered by NJBPU. For more information, residents should contact their utility company directly or call 1-800-624-0241.

Customers already in the WTP program should pay what they can each month to avoid a large overdue balance at the end of the protection period.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is one of several programs DCA provides to help New Jersey households in need with basic resources such as housing and heating to promote long-term physical well-being. LIHEAP helps households at or below 60% of the state median income ($7,676 a month for a family of four) pay for energy costs (electric, gas, deliverable fuels, and those included in rent). DCA also administers the Universal Service Fund (USF) program, which provides a monthly credit on electric and gas bills for households at or below 60% of the state median income ($92,108 a year for a family of four). To qualify for USF, the household must pay more than 2% of its annual income for electric or for natural gas. If a household has electric heat, it must spend more than 4% of its annual income on electricity to be eligible.

Households can visit the DCAid portal at www.nj.gov/dca/dcaid to submit an application for LIHEAP assistance. The DCAid portal also checks to see what other benefits the applicant may qualify for. People who do not have access to computers or the internet can call 1-800-510-3102 to be directed to one of the community action agencies partnering with DCA to assist them with starting, completing, and submitting an application online.

A list of the community organizations providing such assistance is available at https://www.nj.gov/dca/dhcr/offices/pdf/LIHEAP_Agencies%20updated.pdf on the DCA website.

LIHEAP applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and assistance is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis so applicants should not wait to apply.

DCA offers a wide range of programs and services, including local government management and finance, affordable housing production, fire safety, building safety, community planning and development, disaster recovery and mitigation, historic preservation, and information privacy.

For more information about DCA, visit https://nj.gov/dca/ or follow the Department on social media: