Virtual Information Session - Nov. 18, 2020

On Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020, we held a live, virtual information session for customers to learn more about our different customer assistance programs and how to apply for them. Representatives from New Jersey American Water and New Jersey Shares provided an overview of the programs and benefits, explained eligibility requirements, and answered live questions from viewers. For more information, please view the recording of the event below. 

Bill Paying Assistance Programs

Payment Arrangements


If you cannot pay your bill by the due date, please contact our customer service center at 1-800-272-1325 BEFORE the due date. They will work with you to determine payment plan options that may be available.  In addition, in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, payment arrangements can be made with little to no deposit and longer payment terms for overdue balances through July 15.

Budget Billing and Installment Plans


Budget billing is a free service available to residential customers that makes managing your cashflow easier. It provides predictable monthly payments while avoiding seasonal spikes that may be difficult to pay when not planned for in advance. To sign up or to see if you are eligible, call our customer service center at 1-800-272-1325. Click here for more information. 

H2O HELP TO OTHERS PROGRAM™

    Assisting Customers Who Need it The Most

    For nearly two decades, New Jersey American Water has been assisting low-income water customers who qualify through its H2O Help to Others Program™, administered by New Jersey Shares. For more information or to apply, visit www.njshares.org. There are two main components of the program: grants and a discount on the service charge.

    Grants

    Customers who qualify may receive a grant of up to $500 to help pay their water bill for indoor water use only. This would not apply to water for outdoor purposes, such as sprinkler systems. A grant from this program may not cover a recipient‘s entire water bill. In some cases, recipients must pay a portion of their bill based on their income.

    Service Charge Discount

    Customers who qualify may also receive up to a 100 percent discount on their monthly fixed service charge for water. Service charge discounts are also available for our wastewater customers.

    DSIC Discount: Customers who qualify for the service charge discount, may also be eligible to receive a discount off the monthly DSIC charge, which is based on meter size. This is temporarily available to customers who apply between July 1, 2020-March 31, 2021. 

    Eligibility Guidelines

    To qualify for the H2O program, customers must have annual incomes at or below 300 percent of the Federal Poverty guidelines (see chart below). Customers must also fulfill at least 50 percent of the payment terms. For additional qualification requirements, customers can contact New Jersey SHARES, New Jersey American Water’s program administrator. NOTE: Grants are available to qualifying customers once every three years for indoor water use only. New Jersey American Water is temporarily waiving this restriction for customers who have not yet received a grant in 2020. 

    Monthly Income Guidelines

    Number of Persons in Household

    H2O Help to Others Program Total Gross Monthly Household Income

    1

    $3,190

    2

    $4,310

    3

    $5,430

    4

    $6,550

    5

    $7,670

    6

    $8,790

    7

    $9,910

    8

    $11,030

    9

    $12,150

    10

    $13,270

    11

    $14,390

    12

    $15,510

    13

    $16,630

    14

    $17,750

    15

    $18,870

    For More Information

    The H2O Grants and Discounts are administered by NJShares, which is an independent, non-profit organization established to help those in need pay their utility bills. For more information, or to see if you qualify for these programs, contact NJShares toll-free at 1-877-652-9426 (1-877-NJAWH2O) or log on to www.njshares.org. 

    Want to Lend a Hand?

    If you wish to contribute to the program, you can do so by adding a donation to your monthly New Jersey American Water bill. You can be assured that 100 percent of your donation and our matching funds go directly to qualifying customers. Our company assumes all administrative costs for this program, so that every penny you donate goes directly to this worthwhile cause.

    You can also send a donation directly to New Jersey SHARES at:

    New Jersey SHARES
    4 Walter E. Foran Boulevard
    Suite 105
    Flemington, NJ 08822

    Other Utility Assistance Programs in New Jersey

    In addition to New Jersey American Water’s H2O Help to Others Program, there are a number of energy and heating bill assistance programs and government programs for those who qualify. For a full list of local community resources, New Jersey residents can search the online database at www.nj211.org and view a comprehensive listing of the state’s energy programs. Customers may also dial “2-1-1” 24 hours a day, seven days a week for help in finding available assistance services.