This nationwide resource and information helpline will identify programs in your area that may assist you or someone you know with utility bills. Requirements may vary based on program referrals.
Call 211 or visit www.211.org or text your zip code to 898211
Franklin Township is proud to announce participation in the NJ SHARES Municipal Customer Assistance Program (MCAP) — a statewide initiative designed to help income-qualified households facing temporary financial hardship pay their municipal utility bills.
Through this program, eligible Franklin Township residents may receive grants of up to $200 per utility (water, sewer, or electric) per calendar year. The grants are applied directly to the utility account and cover consumption charges only (not deposits, reconnection fees, or repairs).
About the Program
NJ SHARES is a nonprofit organization that provides temporary financial assistance to New Jersey households that do not qualify for other state or federal aid programs. The MCAP specifically supports residents with municipal utility accounts who are struggling due to circumstances such as job loss, illness, or other financial crises.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the MCAP program, applicants must:
Have an active residential municipal utility account in their name
Reside at the service address listed on the utility bill
Be in arrears on their municipal water, sewer, or electric bill
Be experiencing a temporary financial crisis
Eligible households may receive:
Up to $200 for water service per calendar year
Up to $200 for sewer service per calendar year
Up to $200 for electric service (or electric heating source) per calendar year
Income Guidelines
Household income must be at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
For example, the maximum monthly income allowed is:
1 person: $5,217
2 people: $7,050
3 people: $8,883
4 people: $10,717
(For larger households, add $1,833 for each additional person.)
Special income guidelines apply to seniors (65+) and disabled applicants in one- or two-person households, who may qualify with an annual income up to $163,050.
Required Documentation
Applicants must submit:
Valid government-issued photo ID for all adult household members
Proof of income for the past four weeks (or a zero-income statement, if applicable)
Most recent municipal utility bill showing arrears
Proof of residency if the address on documentation does not match the service address
Households that already receive benefits through certain assistance programs (such as LIHEAP, SNAP, Medicaid, or the Affordable Connectivity Program) may use their current year’s benefit/determination letter in place of income documentation.
Franklin Township encourages residents who may be struggling to pay their municipal utility bills to apply for this valuable resource. Together, we can ensure that every household has continued access to essential services.
