Utility Assistance

Need Help Paying Your Utilitiy Bills?

NJ DCAid Online Application Portal

Low-income residents of the State of New Jersey can apply for financial assistance to pay for their heating, cooling, and other utilities. PROCEED has been teaming up with the State Department of Community Affairs for over 15 years to provide these services for the residents of Union County.

To be eligible for PROCEED’s services, individuals must be residents of Union County and meet specific income guidelines.

Click on the link below to download the application and program requirements:

Completed applications and all required forms (copies are preferred, as indicated by the application) must be returned to PROCEED, Inc. through any of the following methods:

Standard U.S. mail
Via email at Energy@proceedinc.com
By Fax: 908-393-7620
By Walk in, please ring doorbell when you arrive to be let in the building, due to COVID-19 the maximum amount of clients in our waiting area is limited to 6. Masks must be worn at all times regardless of vaccination status.
Online: https://dcaid.dca.nj.gov

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance — Heating

Clients who qualify for LIHEAP can have the cost of heating their homes deferred during the winter months. Benefits are given on a one-time per application period basis. This is not a continuing service. Applications must be filled out and submitted annually even if they were submitted the year before and the household was approved.

The application period for LIHEAP is October 1 through July 31. Households should be advised that completed applications take 4-6 weeks to process, so the sooner the completed application is submitted, the sooner the benefits will be received.

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance — Cooling

Those eligible to receive cooling assistance must provide proof that at least one person in the household has a medical necessity for air conditioning during the summer months. Benefits are given on a one-time per application period basis. Applications must be completed every year, even if you were approved in prior years. A doctor's note must be provided to receive a $200 credit towards the cost of cooling.

The application period for the Cooling Assistance Program is October 1 through June 30.

Universal Service Fund

Households eligible to benefit from the Universal Service Fund may receive a monthly credit towards utilities costs that are above 3% of the household’s annual income. Qualifying households receive a monthly credit for twelve months that totals this cost.

PROCEED accepts applications for the Universal Service Fund year-round.

Recertifications

Clients who have previously applied and been approved should receive an annual recertification form to shorten the application process.

If you believe you are eligible for a recertification form, and have not yet received one, or would like more information on our programs please contact us at (908) 351-7727 ext. 292 or energy@proceedinc.com.

PROCEED, Inc.
Home Energy Assistance
1122 E. Grand St.
Elizabeth, NJ 07201

Link for UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE CLAIM STATUS for proof of income