TRENTON, NJ – The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs is reminding residents affected by the federal delay in SNAP benefits that they may qualify for state utility assistance and shutoff protections this winter.
The agency said eligible households can apply for help through the Winter Termination Program, which prevents service disconnections between November 15 and March 15.
Officials emphasized that residents impacted by the disruption in federal funding should contact their utility providers immediately to secure protection.
Key Points
- The Winter Termination Program shields low-income households from shutoffs between November 15 and March 15.
- SNAP recipients affected by federal benefit delays may qualify for utility aid.
- DCA offers multiple programs, including LIHEAP, USF, Lifeline, PAGE, and NJ SHARES, to help with energy costs.
State steps in as federal aid lags
Governor Phil Murphy criticized the federal government’s delay in SNAP funding, calling it a “reckless decision” that has impacted hundreds of thousands of New Jerseyans. He urged affected residents to seek immediate help through state programs designed to prevent energy shutoffs during the colder months. “As the weather gets colder and we continue to face an energy affordability crisis, our Department of Community Affairs continues to offer several programs to protect vulnerable residents,” Murphy said.
Utility protections available through March
The Winter Termination Program applies to residential customers facing financial hardship beyond their control. It covers natural gas, electric, water, and sewer utilities, offering a crucial safeguard for households struggling to pay their bills. Residents already enrolled in programs such as the Universal Service Fund, LIHEAP, Lifeline, PAAD, TANF, or SSI are automatically eligible.
LIHEAP, USF, and Fresh Start offer additional support
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps low- and moderate-income households pay for heating costs from October 1 through June 30. The Universal Service Fund and Fresh Start Program provide monthly credits and forgiveness for overdue balances on electric and gas accounts. Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez noted that these initiatives “protect families through the winter months and beyond.”
How to enroll and apply
Eligible residents must notify their utility company—either verbally or by submitting a self-certification form—to receive protection under the Winter Termination Program. Households can also apply for LIHEAP or USF through the DCAid portal at https://dcaid.dca.nj.gov/en-US/. Additional programs such as PAGE and NJ SHARES provide grants and assistance for customers facing disconnection or struggling with broadband and water bills.
New Jersey Board of Public Utilities President Christine Guhl-Sadovy said the Winter Termination Program “ensures that no New Jerseyan has to choose between paying utility bills and meeting essential needs.” DCA officials encouraged anyone facing hardship to act quickly and access available resources before the onset of winter.
