The Lifeline Utility Assistance Program in the State of New Jersey is a program that offers individuals who meet the eligibility requirements or receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) a yearly benefit of $225 to pay for electric and gas bills.
It consists of three different programs. In this guide, you will learn details pertaining to the Lifeline Utility Assistance Program.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements?
The eligibility requirements for the Lifeline Utility Assistance Program in New Jersey are as follows:
- Be a resident of the State of New Jersey
- Be a recipient or meet the requirements of the Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD)
- Receive either Medical Assistance to the Aged (MAA), the Medical Assistance Only (MAO) or the New Jersey Care
- Be over the age of 65 or between the ages of 18 and 64 and be a recipient of Disability from the SSA
- Yearly income must not exceed $42,141 if single, divorced, or widowed, or $49,208 if married
What Are the Three Lifeline Programs?
There are a total of three Lifeline programs. They are as follows:
- Lifeline Credit Program – This program gives a yearly $225 benefit as a credit on gas utility and electric bills.
- Tenants Lifeline Assistance – This program gives a $225 check benefit to tenants who pay rent that includes the cost of gas and electric in their rent.
- Special Utility Supplement – This program gives up to a total of $18.75 each month to those that get SSI in place of the benefit outlined in the two programs previously mentioned.
What Are the Guidelines of the Lifeline Program?
The following outlines the guidelines of the Lifeline Program:
- Only one person per household is eligible.
- If SSI is received, an application should not be completed as the benefit is included already in the SSI check.
- The benefit is only for electricity and gas that is natural. It is not for wood, propane, coal, or oil gas.
- If you pay electric to a company, the benefit will appear on the bill. If you pay gas and electric to two companies, the credit will be divided evenly. If the utilities are part of the rent that is paid, a check for the total of $225 will be issued.
- The program may only be used at the primary place of residency.
Elder and Disabled Care and Assistance
If you or your loved one is in need of elder or disabled care assistance, we here at Beacon Senior Advisors are able to share information on programs that are available.
If financial hardship is experienced and living independently is becoming an issue, there are many low-income programs available to those that are in need of assisted living or nursing home care.
This is our specialty here at Beacon. To learn more, you may contact a Senior Care Advisor today. Our services are provided free of charge. To contact us, call the following number now: 973-713-0096