Relief Measures for Residential Utility Customers
Relief measures for residential utility customers experiencing economic challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic
Late Fees, Charges and Penalties
If you, as a residential customer, were charged interest, fees, or charges for the late payment of water charges, accruing between March 9, 2020, and March 15, 2022, under P.L. 2021, c. 317 and P.L. 2022, c. 4, the Jackson Township Municipal Utilities Authority (Authority) will automatically credit any interest, fees or charges for late payment of water charges accruing between those dates.
There is no need to request this credit as it should appear on your next billing statement.
P.L. 2021, c. 317 and P.L. 2022, c. 4 do not apply to sewer charges.
Bill Assistance and Arrearage Forgiveness Programs
- Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)
The application period for the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs’ Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is now open
This federally funded program provides financial assistance to eligible low-income households to reduce the balances on their residential water and sewer bills.
- This program will provide benefits directly to the Authority on your behalf.
- Restore services where services have been terminated and pay reconnection fees and other charges accrued due to a disconnection.
- Avoid service disruption for those residential customers who are in danger of disconnection (i.e., received shut off notices or have past due balances) and to help them afford bill payment going forward.
- Support those household customers who are current in their bills but might be in danger of falling behind in the near future.
Priority will also be given to families with elderly or disabled household members and/or with children under the age of five, no matter which category they fall into.
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.
- The 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.
https://njdca-housing.dynamics365portals.us/lihwapfaq
If you feel you qualify for the program, you can apply online through the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) application portal at
https://njdca-housing.dynamics365portals.us/en-US/dcaid-services/
Those without computer or internet access can call 1-800-510-3102 to be directed to one of the community action agencies for assistance with starting, completing, and submitting an application online.
2. Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Participants in the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) are automatically eligible for LIHWAP assistance as long as they are water/sewer bill holders.
If you have applied for water and/or sewer assistance, please notify the Authority’s Customer Service Department immediately at
732 928-2222 ext. 2
or via e-mail at pandemicrelief@jacksonmua.com
providing your name, address, account number, the name of the program, the agency administering the program, and the date the application was submitted.
If you have applied for assistance from a State-administered utility assistance program prior to June 15, 2022 and have notified the Authority of such, enforcement actions on unpaid water and/or sewer balances will be placed on hold for up to 60 days or until such time as a complete application is approved or rejected by the Department of Community Affairs.
HomeServe USA / Jackson Township Municipal Utilities Authority Bill Assistance Program
HomeServe USA is a leader in administering home emergency repair service plans. As part of their commitment of giving back to the communities they serve, they offer the HomeServeUSA Bill Assistance Program to qualifying Authority customers by making a donation to help customers pay their utility bills.
Under this program, HomeServeUSA will arrange for funds, not to exceed $250 per customer, to be made available to those who qualify.
The criteria and application can be found here
Installment Plan Availability
The Authority offers residential customers an installment plan for unpaid water and sewer charges accruing between March 9, 2020, to March 15, 2022. Those offered an installment plan have 30 days from the notice date to agree to the plan.
To maintain the installment plan, you must make timely payments on all current charges. If you fail to pay your arrearages and/or current charges within 30 days after the due date, then the installment plan is void and the Authority can proceed with enforcement.
For more information on any program described in this bulletin, please contact the Authority’s Customer Service Department at 732-928-2222 ext. 2. Questions may also be e-mailed to