Universal Service Fund (USF)

Description: Provides a monthly credit on eligible customer’s natural gas and/or electric bills. USF shares an application with the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

Assistance Provided To: Low and Moderate Income Households. Click here to see this year’s income limits.

Type of Assistance: Credit on natural gas or electricity.

Funding Source: A surcharge on natural gas and electric bills.

Procedure for Applying: Apply year round online or print and mail to a local application agency.

Contact: 211 New Jersey’s Utility Assistance Hotline at: (866) 240-1347 or email: utilityhelp@nj211.org

Not eligible? If not eligible for USF or if you need additional assistance after applying, please review other available energy assistance programs at: www.nj.gov/bpu/assistance/programs.

Additional Information:

• Do You Need Help With Your Home Energy Bills? - Brochure - English  [pdf 192kB]
• Do You Need Help With Your Home Energy Bills? - Brochure - Spanish [pdf 231kB]
• LIHEAP/USF Fact Sheet, Income Guidelines - English
• LIHEAP/USF Fact Sheet, Income Guidelines - Spanish [pdf 125kB]
• Local Application Agency's Contact Information 
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about USF 
• 2025 LIHEAP Benefit Amounts Table
   

TOLL-FREE HOTLINE: 1 (800) 510-3102