New Jersey Statewide Heating Assistance and Referral for Energy Services (NJ SHARES) is a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to New Jersey residents who are not currently eligible for other welfare programs and have a history of good-faith payments on their utility bills. Income eligibility varies by program, but NJ SHARES energy grants are available to households with incomes at or below 100% of the State Median Income (SMI).
| Program Name | Category | Assistance Amount | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACE Customer Relief Fund | Energy | Up to $500 for electric service | For Atlantic City Electric customers with an overdue balance of $250 or more (income eligibility applies). |
| NJBPU PAGE Program | Energy | Up to $500–$700 per utility (tiered by income) | Households at or below 60% SMI can apply for PAGE if denied LIHEAP/USF. Households between 60%–100% SMI can apply for PAGE directly. |
| NJ SHARES SMART Utility Assistance Program | Energy | Up to $500 per utility | Support for households needing additional aid beyond federal/state assistance programs. |
| NJ SHARES Energy Assistance Grant | Energy | Up to $700 for gas, $700 for electric | Supports middle-income and fixed-income households facing financial crises. |
| NJ SHARES Municipal Customer Assistance Program (MCAP) | Electric, Sewer, Water | Up to $200 per service | Assistance for households struggling to pay municipal utility bills. |
| AQUA New Jersey AQUA Aid | Water | Up to $150 (single) / $250 (combined) | For AQUA NJ customers facing a water or sewer bill crisis. |
| NJ American Water H2O Help to Others Program | Water | Up to $500 grant and 15%–60% monthly bill discount (fixed rate + usage) | For NJ American Water customers who need help paying their water bills. |
| NJ SHARES Mortgage Assistance, Rent and Tax Program | Housing | Based on income/situation (Up to $5,000 through partnerships). Income limit: 200% FPL or below. | Resolves housing instability caused by unpaid rent, mortgage, or property taxes. |
