Are you:

• Over 65
• Disabled
• Receiving medical or pharmaceutical assistance?

If so, you may be eligible to receive up to an annual $225 credit towards your utility bill through New Jersey's Lifeline Credit Program. You must apply to receive this benefit.

About the program

The Lifeline Credit Program is funded by the State Casino Revenue Fund, and administered by the State of New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services. The program provides a total annual credit of $225 per household to those eligible for this benefit.

• Eligible applicants who receive both natural gas (not bottled or propane) and electric bills will be credited with $112.50 on each account.
• Eligible applicants who receive just one utility service, electric or natural gas, will receive the full $225 credit on that account.

Are you eligible?

Besides receiving natural gas and/or electric bills for your principal residence in your name or your spouse's name, you must also meet one of the following requirements.

1. Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD)
   You must be enrolled in (or eligible for) the PAAD Program. If you are currently enrolled in PAAD, you will be sent a Lifeline application with your PAAD renewal application. The Lifeline benefit will be issued approximately two months after receiving your PAAD card. New PAAD eligibles will apply for Lifeline at the same time they apply for PAAD. Benefits are no longer issued only during the winter months.

   OR

2. Certain Medicaid Programs
   You must be receiving (or eligible for) Medicaid only, Medical Assistance for the Aged or the New Jersey Care. If you receive any of these benefits, you'll automatically receive a Lifeline application in the mail. If you're newly enrolled, you'll be contacted shortly about Lifeline by the State Department of Health and Senior Services.

   OR

3. Lifeline Only
   If you're not enrolled in one of the programs listed above, you may still be eligible. You can apply for the Lifeline Credit Program if you will be at least 65 years of age at the time of application, or if you receive disability benefits under the Federal Social Security Act.

You may also be eligible if you are a resident of the State of New Jersey with an annual income of:

• Less than $18,151 if single; or
• Less than $22,256 joint income if married.

To receive Lifeline credit, you must apply for it.

To obtain a Lifeline or PAAD application, call the toll-free hotline at: 1-800-792-9745. A teletypewriter (TTY) is available for the hearing and speech impaired at: 609-588-7180 (this is not a toll-free number).