New Jersey Statewide Heating Assistance & Referral Energy Service (NJSHARES)

New Jersey Statewide Heating Assistance and Referral Energy Service, Inc. (NJSHARES) - is a non-profit organization that administers an energy-assistance program that assists households who do not qualify for federal or state energy programs and whose income does not exceed 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. Each client fills out an electronic application with the assistance of a local community-based organization. Applications are taken by more than 230 participating intake agencies at local sites throughout the state. Eligibility is determined by income and household size.

Benefits

The maximum grant awarded by New Jersey SHARES is $700 for heating and $500 for electric service. Clients heating with electric may receive up to $700 on their electric heat account. Grants are distributed year-round based on funding availability.

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 Low-Income Energy
  • Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and state programs such as the Universal Service Fund (USF)
  • 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)

Income Guidelines for Senior Citizens & People with Disabilities

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 $70,000 annually or $5,833 monthly. Proof of age is required.

Applicants receiving Federal Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, with households of one or two members, will be eligible for NJ SHARES if the maximum household income is $70,000 annually or $5,833 monthly. Applicants must show proof of Federal SSD benefit.

Additional Information

For more information, visit the NJ SHARES website.