Benefits.gov - New Jersey Food Stamp Program

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New Jersey Food Stamp Program

Managing Agency New Jersey http://www.state.nj.us

Program Description

New Jersey administers the Federal Food Stamp program, which enables eligible low-income individuals and families to receive cash benefits to help pay for food. The County Welfare Agency determines eligibility.

Individuals and families who are deemed eligible will receive their Food Stamp benefits within 30 days of submitting an application. Under certain situations, emergency benefits may be issued within just a few days.

Clients who are already receiving Food Stamp benefits may reapply by filing an application for re-certification by the 15th day of the last month of their current certification period.

Recipients of Food Stamps and WFNJ/TANF, the state cash assistance program for families, receive their benefits through the "Families First" card (Electronic Benefits Transfer System). Currently, clients of WFNJ/GA, the state cash assistance program for individuals and childless couples, access their Food Stamps through the Families First card but receive cash assistance by check.

General Program Requirements

In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of New Jersey and fall into one of two groups: (1) those with a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,001, or (2) those with a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $3,001 who share their household with a person or persons age 60 and over, or with a person with a disability (a child, your spouse, a parent, or yourself). For either group, you must also have an annual household income of less than $14,079 if one person lives in the household; $18,941 if two people live in the household; $23,803 if three people live in the household; $28,665 if four people live in the household; $33,527 if five people live in the household; $38,389 if six people live in the household; $43,251 if seven people live in the household; or $48,113 if eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $4,862 for each additional person in the home.

Your Next Steps

The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.

Application Process

To apply for Food Stamps, please visit the New Jersey Department of Human Services website:
http://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/programs/njsnap/

Program Contact Information

For more information about this program, please visit: http://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/dfd/programs/njsnap/index.html

For more information, dial the Food Stamp Hotline: 1-800-792-9773