The State of New Jersey offers several public assistance programs to support individuals and families with low incomes in meeting their basic needs. Eligible individuals can receive assistance with food, housing, cash assistance, and other necessities through these programs. Eligibility for programs varies and typically depends on income, household size, expenses, immigration status, and other factors.

Some of the main programs are:

• New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (NJ SNAP): Provides monthly benefits to purchase groceries.
• Work First New Jersey (WFNJ)
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): Provides cash assistance and support services to low-income families with dependent children.
• General Assistance (GA): Provides cash assistance and support services to low-income single adults or couples without dependent children.
• Emergency Assistance (EA): Provides short-term support to TANF and GA recipients experiencing housing emergencies or at risk of homelessness. EA can provide help with rent or mortgage payments, utility payments, motel or shelter placement, Temporary Rental Assistance (TRA), and more.

Applications for NJ SNAP and WFNJ can be completed and submitted in person, by mail, or online at www.mynjhelps.gov. Applying online is strongly recommended, as it allows applicants to track the status of their application.

How long will it take to get help?

All applications must be accepted the same day they are submitted or requested, regardless of the method used, and are required to be processed within 30 days of the submitted date.

If you are in immediate need of food, shelter, utilities, clothing, or another urgent essential need, you can request help the same day you apply and must receive same-day emergency aid if you appear eligible for the WFNJ program. Additionally, if you are homeless or at risk of losing your housing, the agency must promptly process your application for other forms of emergency assistance.

Expedited SNAP benefits must be issued within seven days if you meet certain criteria:

• gross monthly income is less than $150 and available cash is under $100;
• you are a migrant or seasonal farmworker; or
• the household’s total monthly income and available cash are less than monthly housing costs.

Victims of domestic violence, rape, or incest qualify for special help from the County Social Service Agencies (CSSAs), including temporary exemption from some of the work requirements, time limits, and other obligations.

You have the right to challenge the County Social Service Agency’s decision by requesting a fair hearing. You can do this through your local agency, by completing the fair hearing request form included with your notice, or by calling the fair hearing hotline at 1-800-792-9774.

Common Issues When Applying for Benefits

Applying for public benefits can be a confusing and overwhelming experience, especially for those navigating the process for the first time. These tips can help make the process easier and more manageable.

Applicants often encounter several challenges when applying for public benefits. These common issues can often cause delays in their application process:

• Confusing terminology and questions
• Issues obtaining documentation and verifications
• Language barriers
• Difficulty navigating online applications
• Missing or late notices

While these issues may complicate the application process, there are steps you can take to reduce setbacks and simplify the application process. Below are some things to keep in mind to help you feel more prepared when filling out your application.

Recommendations for Completing an Application

Apply Online

Applying for public benefits online offers various advantages that can make the application process more convenient. In New Jersey, an online application for the New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (NJ SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and General Assistance (GA) can be completed at MyNJHelps.gov. The online application is currently available in English and Spanish only.

To begin, you must create an account by providing basic personal information, selecting a username and password, and choosing security questions. While an email address is not required to create an account, it is strongly encouraged, as it serves as an additional channel of communication and receiving updates.

The MyNJHelps portal offers several useful features. You can upload required verifications directly through the portal, receive notices, track the status of your application, and obtain a confirmation number after submitting an application. Once approved, you can manage your benefits through the “Link a Case” feature. You can check your application portal to see updates on your case.

The online application is broken into sections. You should focus on only answering the required fields, which are clearly marked with a red asterisk. Each required question includes an information icon (⍰) that provides helpful explanations to clarify what is being asked. If you have difficulty understanding or answering the questions, you may submit the application with just the basic personal information section completed. A representative from your local County Social Service Agency will contact you to complete the rest of the application by phone. If you are approved for assistance, your benefits will start from the day you applied, so it is important to apply as soon as you can.

Language Options and Availability

While the online application is limited to English and Spanish, the paper application is offered in fifteen additional languages: Arabic, Bengali, Chinese/Sim, Dutch, Gujarati, Haitian/Creole, Hindi, Italian, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Russian, Ukrainian, and Urdu. These versions can be downloaded and printed from the New Jersey Department of Human Services website: Ways to Apply.

Paper applications can be submitted in person, by mail, or by fax to your local County Social Service Agency. To find your agency’s address, contact information, hours of operation, and fax number, visit: County Social Service Agencies.

It is strongly recommended that you keep copies of your completed application and all documents submitted. If you are submitting your application in person, ask for a receipt confirming submission. If you fax your application, save the fax confirmation page. Maintaining copies of all submitted materials and dates is important.

Submitting Verifications

You will need to submit proof of the information provided in your application. While verification requests by the County Social Service Agencies may vary, you will likely need to submit:

• Identification for all household members
• Proof of income (earned and/or unearned) and assets for all household members
• Social Security numbers for each person applying for benefits
• Household expenses, such as proof of address, rent or mortgage payments, and utility bills
• Medical expenses for individuals who are elderly (age 60 or older) or have a disability
• Proof of citizenship or immigration status (only required for individuals applying for benefits, not for every member of the household)

If you have difficulty obtaining or submitting verification documents, SNAP and WFNJ regulations state that the County Social Services Agency can assist you in helping you get the information needed for your eligibility determination.

Authorized Representatives

You may appoint a representative to help you apply and manage your benefits. An authorized representative can apply for benefits on your behalf, speak to the agency about your case, receive an EBT card, and use your benefits for you. This can be anyone outside of your household, such as a family member, friend, or case manager. If you decide to designate someone as your authorized representative, you decide how much authority to give them. The option can especially be helpful for seniors and individuals with disabilities who may need additional assistance. You will need to provide the following information about your authorized representative: their name, date of birth (if required), address, Social Security number (if required), and telephone number.

Additional Support for SNAP Applications: SNAP “Navigators”

A SNAP Navigator is a professional trained to provide assistance and guidance to individuals applying for NJ SNAP, also often referred to as “food stamps.” SNAP Navigators help ensure that your application is complete, accurate, and submitted correctly. They can also explain how to keep your SNAP benefits. All help provided by SNAP Navigators is free and confidential. To find the SNAP Navigator organization in your county, visit: SNAP Navigator Program.

Next Steps After Submitting Your Application

After submitting your application for NJ SNAP, TANF, or GA, you will be required to complete additional steps and cooperate with the requests of your local County Social Services Agency:

• Submit Application: After submitting your online application, you should immediately receive a confirmation number. Your confirmation number will also be available in your My NJHelps account portal.
• Certification Interview: The County Social Services Agency will schedule an interview to review your application and confirm the information you provided. Most interviews are automatically scheduled by phone. If you prefer an in-person interview at your local agency, you can select this option on your application. You will receive a mailed notice with the date and time of your interview, and a digital copy will also be posted in your “My NJHelps” portal under “Notices.”
• Request for Verifications: You can submit initial verifications, such as proof of income, identity, and expenses, when you submit your application. If more documents are needed, your County Social Services Agency will send you a written notice (Form WFNJ/SNAP-33) with a list of required documents and a deadline for submission. If you do not receive the form, you may be contacted by phone or email from a caseworker. You should request that the agency provide any verification request in writing.
• Completing and Returning Paperwork: The agency may mail you additional forms that must be signed and returned. Be sure to review any paperwork carefully, complete all required sections, and return them back to the agency by the specified deadlines. Always keep copies of all paperwork and documents you submit.
• Decision Notice: Once your application is reviewed, you will receive a notice of approval or denial. The notice will explain the reason for the decision, benefits awarded, and how to appeal if you disagree with the decision.
• Receiving EBT Card: If approved, you will receive your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card in the mail. An EBT card functions like a debit or credit card and is used to access your benefits. Instructions on how to activate your card and set up a PIN will be included with your card. If your EBT card does not arrive in the mail, contact your local County Social Services Agency. You can also visit the agency in person to report the issue and be issued a replacement card.

Protect Your Benefits from Theft

To protect your EBT benefits, never share your card number or PIN with anyone you do not trust. Do not write your PIN number on your card or keep record if your number in your wallet. Regularly check your balance to detect any unauthorized transactions. If you lose your card or if you believe your PIN has been compromised, immediately call 1-800-997-3333 to freeze your benefits and request a replacement card. Benefits stolen on or after December 1, 2024, are not eligible for replacement due to change in federal law.

You can help protect your EBT benefits from theft by locking and unlocking your EBT card through ConnectEBT app or at New Jersey EBT Login. Before making a purchase, unlock your card. Once your transaction is complete, lock the card again. This ensures your card is only active during your transaction and cannot be used when locked.

Be careful with links you receive in emails or text messages, as they may be scams to steal your information. Use your EBT card only at trusted card reader machines and, if a machine looks suspicious or tampered with, try to use a different one.

If you have any questions about your rights or are having trouble accessing your benefits, you can apply for help from Legal Services of New Jersey’s statewide, toll-free legal Hotline online at www.lsnjlaw.org, or by phone at 1-888-LSNJ-LAW (1-888-576-5529).

Quick Links

MyNJHelps.gov - Apply Online for NJ SNAP and WFNJ:

NJ SNAP: Ways to Apply (from the NJ Department of Human Services) - Paper Application for NJ SNAP and WFNJ

County Social Services Agencies (from the NJ Department of Human Services)

NJ SNAP Navigators (from the NJ Department of Human Services)

MyNJHelps Client Overview - How to apply on My NJHelps instruction video

Protecting EBT Card from Theft – ConnectEBT App Flyer (from the NJ Department of Human Services)

Protecting EBT Card from Theft – NJFamiliesFirst.com Flyer (from the NJ Department of Human Services)

This information last reviewed: Oct 29, 2025