NJ Shares

New Jersey SHARES assists income eligible households throughout New Jersey to pay their energy, telephone and water bills. A financial crisis can happen to anyone. These challenges are often due to unforeseen circumstances, such as a job loss or illness. New Jersey SHARES provides relief to people, who are not eligible for other types of assistance.

Eligibility Guidelines

Applicants must:

• Reside in New Jersey
• Be experiencing a financial crisis, such as a job loss or illness
• Be behind on their energy bill, or need a fuel delivery
• Have income over the limit for Federal programs such as the Home Energy Assistance Program and state programs such as the Universal Service Fund.
• Have an income level that does not exceed 400% of the Federal Poverty Level
• Have made a good-faith payment of $100 or more within 90 days of applying for NJ SHARES (for gas and electric customers; deliverable fuel customers are excluded from this rule)

Guidelines for Seniors and the Disabled:

• Applicants 65 years of age or older, with households of one or two members, will be eligible for NJ SHARES if the maximum household income is $80,000 annually or $6,666 monthly. Proof of age is required.
• Applicants receiving Federal Social Security Disability benefits, with households of one or two members, will be eligible for NJ SHARES if the maximum household income is $80,000 annually or $6,666 monthly. Applicants must show proof of Federal SSD benefit.

For general information about NJ SHARES call 1-866-657-4273.

For a complete list of agencies that administer the program or additional information click here.