This notice provides an overview of available relief measures for utility customers experiencing economic hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please review the message in its entirety.
BILL ASSISTANCE AND ARREARAGE FORGIVENESS PROGRAMS
The application period for the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs’ Low Income Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is now open. This federally-funded program will provide financial assistance to low-income households to reduce the balances on their residential water and sewer bills. LIHWAP will provide benefits directly to water and sewer service providers on behalf of residential customers.
To be eligible for LIHWAP assistance, applicants must be water/sewer bill holders who are responsible for paying their water and sewer bills directly to the water/sewer provider. Also, applicants’ total gross household income must be at or below 60% of the state median Income ($6,439 a month for a family of four). The
LIHWAP frequently asked questions webpage has additional information about maximum income limits and other items.
Participants in the
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) are automatically eligible for LIHWAP assistance so long as they are water/sewer bill holders. People can apply online to all of these programs through the
DCAid application portal. Those without computer or internet access can call 1-800-510-3102 to be directed to one of the community action agencies to assist them with starting, completing, and submitting an application online.
INSTALLMENT PLAN AVAILABILITY
Effective March 16, 2022, the moratorium on interest charges and penalties on outstanding water and sewer balances accrued during the COVID-19 emergency will no longer be in effect. Highland Park residential customers with water and sewer arrearages accrued between March 9, 2020 and March 15, 2022 may request up to a 12-month installment plan to pay those charges. As a condition of the installment plan, a residential customer must make timely payments on all current charges. To learn more about this option, please call 732-819-3788.
-- Borough Administration
