New Jersey American Water Promotes Year-Round Support for Customers as Winter Assistance Ends

As the winter season comes to a close on March 15, New Jersey American Water wants to remind its customers about the various programs available to assist those who are experiencing financial hardships. This is particularly important as many households may feel the impact of increased expenses coming out of winter, and water bills can quickly escalate if not managed effectively.

The annual Winter Termination Program, which is managed by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, provides essential protection for eligible residential customers. This program runs from November 15 to March 15 every year, allowing customers the peace of mind that they won't face disconnection during the cold winter months. However, once this period concludes, New Jersey American Water continues to offer several assistance programs to ensure that help remains available, catering to those who might need it throughout the entire year.

Kim S. Downes, the vice president of Business Development, Government, and External Affairs at New Jersey American Water, emphasizes the utility's commitment to affordability, stating, "Our water service costs about a penny per gallon. For decades, we've developed a range of programs to help customers manage their bills in a sustainable way. It's crucial that customers know these options exist as they navigate their financial situations."

One key program is the H2O Help to Others Program™, which has been positively impacting eligible customers for over two decades now. This program offers a supportive safety net through a blend of emergency grants and monthly affordability discounts that cater to households based on their income levels. Grants can go up to $500, helping customers catch up on overdue water or wastewater bills. Moreover, the Universal Affordability Discounts provide significant savings on fixed service and usage charges, ranging between 15% to 60%, depending on the family's financial circumstances.

Additionally, customers who qualify for specific state or federal assistance programs, such as LIHEAP, SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, TANF, Lifeline, and the Universal Service Fund, may find themselves automatically eligible for the H2O Help to Others assistance, thereby making the application process much simpler and more accessible.

Besides the H2O Help to Others initiative, New Jersey American Water also offers flexible payment arrangements. Options like budget billing allow customers to better manage seasonal variations in water usage. Eligible customers can choose preferred due dates that match their financial cycles, and those with qualifying health needs can seek medical certification protections against disconnection of service.

"It's vital for our customers to reach out early if they have any questions about their accounts or financial situations," Downes continued. "By having open discussions, we can guide them towards the programs that will most effectively meet their needs."

Customers can find detailed information about available assistance programs on the New Jersey American Water website at www.newjerseyamwater.com/H2OProgram. They can also manage their accounts conveniently through the MyWater portal or seek further guidance by calling 1-800-272-1325. Furthermore, for assistance with the H2O Help to Others grant applications, customers can connect with SHARES at 1-877-NJAWH2O (652-9426) or visit www.sharesnation.org.

New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, stands as the largest regulated water utility in the state. With a dedicated workforce of approximately 875 employees, they strive to ensure that around three million residents receive safe, reliable, and affordable water and wastewater services. For more insights into their services and recent updates, you can visit their website or follow them on social media channels like LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram.

Topics General Business)

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