Applications for the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance and Eviction Prevention Program remain open through December 15th. Visit njdca.onlinepha.com to apply for both of these programs. Applications can be submitted online and the application is available in ten languages. Landlords may apply for assistance on behalf of the tenant.

In addition, New Jersey has created a process that can help prevent you from being evicted for nonpayment of rent due to the pandemic but you must self-certify to be safe. For more information and to certify, visit covid19.nj.gov/renter.

16- and 17-year-olds are now eligible for a Pfizer COVID-19 booster shot, as long as it has been at least six months since their two-dose vaccine series.

COVID-19 vaccines are working well to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death, even against the widely circulating Delta variant. However, studies show that vaccination may become less effective over time, especially in preventing infection or milder illness. Booster doses provide necessary additional protection against waning immunity.

Everyone 16 and older should get a booster shot:

• Two months after their one-dose Johnson & Johnson shot or
• Six months after their last Pfizer or Moderna shot

And — everyone 5 and older should complete their initial vaccination!

The recent emergence of the Omicron variant further emphasizes the importance of vaccination, boosters, and prevention efforts needed to protect against COVID-19.

Book your vaccination appointment today.

If you need help with your utility bills, apply now for home energy assistance!

New Jersey’s grace period on utility shut-offs ends on December 31st and applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Universal Service Fund are now being accepted.

You can apply for help now from multiple financial assistance programs using the DCAid Service Portal from New Jersey’s Department of Community Affairs.

In addition, if you’re behind on your utility bills, contact your utility company as soon as possible to enroll in a Deferred Payment Agreement to lower your monthly payment and keep your service on.

Open enrollment for Get Covered New Jersey is here — don’t delay, get covered now! Open enrollment is the one time of year residents who do not have health insurance through an employer or other program such as Medicaid or Medicare can enroll in a plan.

At GetCoveredNJ, you can browse, shop, compare, and save on quality, affordable health insurance.

Nine in 10 enrolling qualify for financial help, and many residents receiving financial assistance can access a plan for $10 or less per month.

Remember to sign up for coverage by December 31st to ensure that you are covered for the new year. Open enrollment ends January 31st, 2022.

Although the availability and use of effective vaccines promises a return toward normalcy for this year’s holiday season, it’s still important to continue taking steps to lessen the risk to you, your family, and your friends.  

To stay safe this holiday season: 

• Get vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19 (including a booster) 
• Celebrate with those who are fully vaccinated, outdoors, or in places with good ventilation 
• Wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces and in high-risk settings regardless of vaccination status 
• Get tested for COVID-19 if you have symptoms or are in close contact with someone presumed to have COVID-19 
• Stay home if you feel sick!