By: Paige Britt, Follow South Jersey Staff
SOUTH JERSESY — The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) distributed more than $480 million to New Jersey residents seeking utility assistance in 2022. Approximately 288,626 households received funding through the DCA’s Division of Housing and Community Resources.
The DCA also gave more than $404.6 million to about 565,058 households to help pay for late electric and natural gas bills. The DCA provided this funding to be disbursed to the American Rescue Plan Utility Debt Relief (ARP). The ARP assists low-income households on their late gas and electric payments.
In addition, the DCA issued more than $1.75 million in 2022 to the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) to assist with water and sewer bills. Through the program, approximately 1,993 households were helped.
Through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) the DCA assisted 174,266 households in New Jersey with heating bills and emergency heating system services.
DCA Commissioner Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver explained the importance of utility assistance and how families can reach out for help.
“The Murphy Administration is committed to getting utility assistance out to households that need it, so people don’t have to choose between essential expenses like housing, food, medicine, and utilities. Financial help is still available for people who are struggling to pay bills for home heating, drinking water, and sewer service. We urge New Jersey residents to visit the DCA website for more information about the assistance programs and how to apply.”
To submit an application for assistance, visit www.nj.gov/dca/dcaid. For those who do not have access to the internet, call 51-800-510-3102.
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