Universal Service Fund

USF is a program created by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities and managed by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs to help make energy bills more affordable for low-income customers. If you are eligible, USF can lower the amount you have to pay for natural gas and electricity.

To be eligible for USF, your household must:

1) Be income-eligible according to the income requirements below.

2) Spend more than 2% of your household income on gas and/or electricity; (or spend more than 4% of your household income on electric heating).

If you are found eligible to participate in the USF program, you will receive a credit on your electric and/or natural gas bill to help reduce your monthly cost. The size of the monthly credit is based on total household income and the amount of money you typically pay for gas and electric service. 

USF Income Requirements:

Family Size	Gross Monthly Income
1	$3,676
2	$4,807
3	$5,938
4	$7,069
5	$8,200
6	$9,331
7	$9,543
8	$9,755
9	$9,968
10	$10,180
11	$10,392
12	$10,604

How Do I Apply?
(Essex County residents only)

Online:
To complete your LIHEAP/USF application online, click here.

E-mail:
Click here to download a printable version of the LIHEAP/USF application, fill it out, and email it back to us at energyasst@lacasanwk.org.

Mail:
Click here to download a printable version of the LIHEAP/USF application, fill it out, and mail it to: La Casa de Don Pedro, Attn: LIHEAP/USF, PO Box 7118, Newark, NJ 07107.

Fax:
Click here to download a printable version of the LIHEAP/USF application, fill it out, and fax it to 973-485-9984.

In-Person:
Essex County residents can also submit their LIHEAP/USF applications as well as emergency requests and all supporting documents in-person at 317 Roseville Ave, Newark, NJ during the following hours: Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday from 9AM-4PM, Wednesday from 9AM-6PM, or the second Saturday of every month from 9AM-1PM (Third Saturday in the event of a holiday). We are closed Fridays.

We have paper applications as well as kiosks available at our 317 Roseville Ave site to submit your application. However, to expedite your wait time, please click here to download the application and bring the completed version with you along with all supporting documents.

Please Note:
All applications must be fully completed (including all supporting documents) before it can be processed and passed onto the State of New Jersey for review. If you submit an incomplete application, we will send you a denial notice and a letter listing all the pending required documents and information.

Any LIHEAP/USF-related inquiries and questions can be sent directly to energyasst@lacasanwk.org.