NEW JERSEY

WorkFirst NJ (WFNJ)

WorkFirst NJ, the state’s welfare program, provides temporary cash assistance and supportive services to low-income families with children under age 18.

The program is designed to help families move toward self-sufficiency through employment, job training, education, and other work-related activities.

WorkFirst NJ generally limits cash assistance to a lifetime maximum of 60 months. However, elderly or disabled adults and children under age 18 are exempt from this time limit.

How much cash assistance will I get in NJ?

In New Jersey, TANF benefits vary by household size, income, and available resources. A family of three with no income may receive up to $559 per month in cash assistance.

Recipients of WorkFirst NJ may also receive Emergency Assistance (EA) in certain situations, such as being at risk of becoming homeless or a substantial loss of housing, food, or clothing due to fire, flood or similar disaster.

How do I apply for WorkFirst NJ?

You can apply for WorkFirst NJ online through MyNJHelps  or in person at the County Social Service Agency that serves your area. ¹

After your application is submitted, an interview will be arranged to determine your eligibility. For most households, benefits are available within 30 days.

New Jersey Department of Human Services
Benefits Assistance / County Welfare Agencies
(800) 687-9512

New Jersey SNAP

New Jersey SNAP provides monthly food assistance to low-income individuals and families to help them afford a nutritionally adequate diet.

With the updated federal ruling, adults ages 18 to 64 who aren’t exempt must meet work requirements to continue receiving benefits beyond three months within a three-year period.

College students may also be eligible if they meet specific criteria, such as working 20+ hours per week or participating in federal work-study.

What is the income limit for SNAP in NJ?

Eligibility for SNAP is determined by several factors, including household size, income, and resources. Most families with gross income up to 185% of the federal poverty level or about $4,109 a month for a family of three, may qualify for SNAP benefits.

How do I apply for SNAP in NJ?

Go to NJHelps  to pre-screen your eligibility or submit an application either through MyNJHelps  or in person at the County Social Service Agency. ¹

New Jersey Department of Human Services
Benefits Assistance / County Welfare Agencies
(800) 687-9512

New Jersey FamilyCare

NJ FamilyCare  is a federally and state-funded health insurance program that helps eligible New Jersey residents afford coverage. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the program includes both Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

There are currently five health plans participating in the NJ FamilyCare program:

1. Aetna Better Health
2. Fidelis Care
3. Horizon NJ Health
4. UnitedHealthcare Community Plan
5. Wellpoint

Each plan has its own network of doctors, dentists, and hospitals and is required to cover the same core benefits, including doctor visits, prescriptions, lab tests, and hospitalizations.

As of July 1, 2021, there are no monthly premiums for NJ FamilyCare. For higher income families, there is a sliding scale  for co-payments for certain services. These typically range from $5 to $35 depending on the service and the family’s income level.

Who is eligible for NJ Family Care?

As New Jersey is expanding Medicaid coverage, NJ FamilyCare is now available to eligible adults ages 19—64 with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level. Children under 19 may qualify at higher income levels, regardless of immigration status.

Dedicated programs exist for people who are aged (65+), blind, or disabled (ABD), as well as pregnant individuals and those needing long-term care.

What is the income limit for Family Care in NJ?

How do I apply for NJ Family Care?

Applications for NJ FamilyCare are available year-round at www.NJFamilyCare.org , allowing residents to apply any time during the year.

If you have questions about NJ FamilyCare, including your benefits or the status of an application, please call (800) 701-0710 and speak to a Health Benefits Coordinator (HBC).

New Jersey Department of Human Services
NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid & CHIP)
(800) 701-0710

NJ Child Care Assistance Program

The program has stopped accepting new applications as of August 1, 2025, due to limited funding. Children who were already enrolled and being served by the program will continue to receive assistance.

New Jersey’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) helps income-eligible parents who are working, in school or in job training to pay a portion of their child care.

Through subsidy, CCAP will assist parents pay for child care for infants, toddlers, preschool-age children, school-age children up to age 13, and for children with special needs up to age 19, including children in homeless families.

Who is eligible for child care subsidy in New Jersey?

A family is considered “income eligible ” when their gross monthly income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level at the time of initial application.

After your initial approval the income limit increases to 250% of the federal poverty level. Once your income exceeds 250%, you will be removed from the program.

In addition to meeting the strict income requirement, you are required to be employed full time for a minimum of 30 hours per week or be enrolled in a school/training program for a minimum of 20 hours per week.

How do I apply for child care assistance in New Jersey?

To get started, you must first register through MyNJHelps . If there is availability, you will receive an email that will include instructions and a personalized application link.

To learn more about NJ CCAP, or for help in finding quality child care, call

New Jersey Department of Human Services
NJ Child Care Helpline
(800) 332-9227

NJ Hospital Care Payment Assistance Program (Charity Care)

NJ Charity Care is the state program that helps low-income New Jersey residents who are uninsured or underinsured and not eligible for Medicaid or NJ FamilyCare.

The program offers free or reduced-cost hospital services for eligible patients and covers medically necessary services at all acute care hospitals in New Jersey.

Who is eligible for Charity Care in NJ?

Under NJ Charity Care, free hospital care is available to families with incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL). Families earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level (FPL) may qualify for sliding-scale discounts and pay only part of their hospital bill.

If you’re a NJ resident facing large hospital bills and lack coverage, you should apply for Charity Care at the hospital where you receive the service, usually in the hospital’s business office.

For more information, please call
Health Care for the Uninsured Program
(866) 588-5696

New Jersey Special Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

New Jersey WIC serves New Jersey’s youngest residents and their families at risk for poor nutrition and medically related health problems as well as families experiencing unemployment and other interim family financial hardships.

It provides monthly benefits for buying healthy foods to supplement their diet. Additional benefits include nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare and social services.

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for WIC:

1. Live in New Jersey.
2. Be a pregnant, postpartum or breastfeeding woman, an infant or a child under 5 years old.
3. Have a household income less than 185% of the federal poverty limit.
4. Have a nutritional need or risk.

What is the income limit for WIC in New Jersey?

WIC is available to New Jersey families with a household income less than or equal to 185% of the poverty level. That’s about $4,109 per month for a family of three.

How long can I get WIC in NJ?

In North Jersey, WIC benefits last for different lengths of time depending on who is receiving them:

• Pregnant women: through pregnancy and up to 6 weeks after birth
• Breastfeeding women: up to 12 months after childbirth
• Non-breastfeeding postpartum women: up to 6 months after childbirth
• Infants: from birth until their first birthday
• Children: from age 1 until their 5th birthday

WIC is not automatic. Participants must recertify periodically to continue receiving benefits.

Can I apply for WIC online in NJ?

Yes. You may apply for New Jersey WIC online through NJ WIC Participant Portal , or contact your local WIC agency  to schedule an appointment.

New Jersey Department of Health
State WIC Office
(866) 446-5942

New Jersey SUN Bucks

SUN Bucks is a new federal program that helps families with school-age children buy groceries during the summer months, when school is not in session.

Sun Bucks, also known as Summer EBT, provides a total of $120 in food benefits to eligible children each summer when school is not in session.

SUN Bucks can be used to purchase the same foods approved for SNAP, including

• Breads and cereals
• Fruits and vegetables
• Meats, fish and poultry
• Dairy products
• Seeds and plants which produce food for the household to eat
• Soft drinks, candy, cookies, snack crackers and ice cream
• Seafood, steak and bakery cakes

Most children will be automatically approved for Summer EBT and do not need to apply. If you’re not sure whether you’ll receive Summer EBT automatically, use this eligibility checker  to find out.

New Jersey Department of Human Services
SUN Bucks (Summer EBT)
Statewide Customer Service Center
(877) 395-8930

New Jersey Housing Choice Voucher Program

New Jersey Housing Choice Voucher Program or NJ Section 8 subsidizes rent for low-income New Jersey residents. Families spend about a third of their paychecks on housing, and the DCA pays the rest directly to landlords.

A total of 20,000 households will be selected through a random lottery system and be placed on the waiting list, prioritizing Armed Forces veterans, homeless individuals, domestic violence survivors and those with disabilities.

Is Section 8 open in NJ?

No. New Jersey’s federally subsidized Section 8 voucher program is currently closed. Check NJ.gov  or your local PHA for the most current status on open waiting lists in your county

How do I get on Section 8 waiting list in NJ?

To get on the waiting list in NJ, you may submit your pre-applications online at https://www.WaitlistCheck.com/  during the open enrollment period.

All applicants must meet the income limits of the county where they live and must be able to provide proof of residency.

New Jersey Department of Community Affairs
DCA Customer Service Unit
(609) 292-4080

NJ State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP)

The SRAP waiting list opening for pre-applications is currently closed.

The State of New Jersey Rental Assistance Program (SRAP) is a state funded program that provides housing subsidies on behalf of extremely low-income residents — elderly, family with children, and the disabled.

Applicants must meet the income limits of the county  where they want to live and provide proof of residency. Applicants must have resided in New Jersey for at least six months prior to applying for SRAP.

The highest preference will be given to veterans and their spouses, followed by those who are homeless, disabled, elderly or who live or work in a specific location.

To apply for SRAP, go to https://www.WaitlistCheck.com/  during the open enrollment period and follow the given instructions to submit a pre-application. If selected, you’ll be placed on the waiting list.

New Jersey Department of Community Affairs
Applicant Services Unit (ASU)
(609) 633-6157

New Jersey Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

New Jersey LIHEAP is designed to help very low-income households with their utility bills, helping them stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

To be eligible for LIHEAP benefits, the applicant household must be responsible for home heating or cooling costs, either directly or included in the rent.

Eligible households may receive a one-time credit of up to $1,278. Households with the elderly or disabled or a young child under age 5 are given priority consideration.

What is the income limit for LIHEAP NJ?

Households may qualify if their income is at or below 60% of the State Median Income (SMI). For a family of three, the current income limit is $6,732 per month.

How do I apply for energy assistance online in NJ?

To apply for LIHEAP, you can submit an application online through the DCAid Service Portal  or contact an authorized local agency in your county for assistance.

The LIHEAP application period runs from October 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026 and funds are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.

New Jersey Department of Community Affairs
NJ LIHEAP Hotline
(800) 510-3102

NJ DCAid  is also a screening tool provided by the Department of Community Affairs to check eligibility for the Section 8 waiting list, the State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP), and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) all in one place.

New Jersey Universal Service Fund (USF) Program

In addition to LIHEAP, applicants who spend a significant portion of their household income on energy costs are automatically enrolled in New Jersey’s Universal Service Fund Program  (USF).

If you are eligible, you will receive a monthly credit of up to $200 on your electric and/or natural gas bill to help lower your energy costs.

Who is eligible for the USF in NJ?

To qualify for USF, you must meet both of these requirements:

1. Your household income must be at or below 60% of the State Median Income, or about $6,732 per month for a family of three.
2. You must spend more than 2% of your income on electric or natural gas service — or, if you heat your home with electricity, more than 4%.

If you do not meet the second requirement, you will default to the minimum USF benefit of $20 per month.

How to apply for USF in NJ?

LIHEAP application is also an application for the Universal Service Fund Program (USF). Applicants can receive benefits from both programs at the same time.

New Jersey Department of Community Affairs
Utility Assistance Hotline
(866) 240-1347

New Jersey SHARES

New Jersey SHARES is another energy assistance program that assists NJ households and families who do not qualify for LIHEAP.

Eligibility is determined by income and household size. Applicants must have income over the limit for LIHEAP and USF, but does not exceed 400% of the federal poverty level.

Applicants must also demonstrate a temporary financial need and make a good-faith payment of $100 or more within 90 days of applying for NJ SHARES.

How much do NJ SHARES pay?

If approved, you may receive up to $700 per utility per calendar year, paid directly to your utility company to help cover overdue or current bills.

To apply for the New Jersey SHARES program, please call
NJSHARES Helpline
(866) 657-4273

New Jersey Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)

NOTICE: Funding is no longer available for LIHWAP. Households may not receive LIHWAP benefits at this time.

New Jersey LIHWAP provides emergency assistance to low-income households who are disconnected or are in imminent threat of disconnection. Priority is given to households with the elderly, disabled or a young child under age 6.

Households who are at or below 60% of New Jersey’s median income are eligible to receive a one-time credit of up to $5,000  towards the payment of outstanding bills and associated fees.

Participants in the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) are automatically eligible for LIHWAP assistance as long as they are water/wastewater bill holders.

How do I get help with my water bill in NJ?

If you are struggling to pay your water or wastewater bills, you can submit your application through DCAid application portal  or call (800) 510-3102 to be directed to one of the community action agencies.

New Jersey Unemployment Insurance

NJ Unemployment Insurance (UI) provides temporary financial assistance for those who lose their jobs through no fault of their own.

To qualify for unemployment benefits in NJ, you must have earned a minimum amount of wages in a recent ‘base period ’ and must have, prior to filing a claim:

1. earned at least $310 per week for 20 or more weeks in the first four calendar quarters out of the last five (base period), or
2. earned at least $15,500 in total covered employment during the base year period.

How much unemployment benefits can I get in New Jersey?

Depending on how much you have earned in your base period, you may receive up to $905 per week for a maximum of 26 weeks of unemployment benefits per year.

How do I claim my NJ unemployment benefits online?

Before benefits can be paid to you, you must first file an initial claim. You may file a claim either online at myunemployment.nj.gov  or by phone at any of three Reemployment Call Centers listed below:

As a condition of eligibility, you must be able to work, available for work, and actively seeking work during each week in which you are claiming benefits.

New Jersey Family Leave During Unemployment

If you have been out of work for more than 14 days and need to take family leave, your claim is processed under a hybrid program called Family Leave During Unemployment  (FLDU).

FLDU can be claimed for up to 12 consecutive weeks in a 12-month period. Depending on how much you have earned in your base period, you may receive up to $905 per week.

If you are currently collecting UI and need to switch to FLI, you simply stop certifying for weekly UI benefits and submit an FLI application.

Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Division of Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance
(609) 292-3349

New Jersey Family Leave Insurance (FLI) Program

New Jersey is one of the first states that provides paid leave benefits for employees who need to “take time off” to bond with a newborn baby or provide care for a seriously ill family member.

Under NJ’s Family Leave Insurance program, cash benefits equaling to as much as two-thirds of their earned wages may be payable for up to 12 weeks during a 12-month period.

Claimants are paid 85% of their average weekly wage, up to the maximum weekly benefit rate set for that calendar year. The current maximum weekly benefit rate is $1,119.

How do I apply for Family Leave Insurance benefits?

To apply for New Jersey Family Leave Insurance (FLI) benefits, go to myLeaveBenefits.nj.gov  and submit your application. Payments are usually issued every two weeks after the initial payment.

Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Division of Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance
(609) 292-7060

NJ Earned Sick Leave

New Jersey has among the most comprehensive Earned Sick Leave, Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance laws in the country, which cover all employees — full-time, part-time, temporary and seasonal.

If you are sick, need time to care for others, or are unable to work due to the public health emergency, you may eligible for New Jersey Earned Sick Leave  for up to 40 hours of paid, job-protected sick leave annually.

The New Jersey DOL has created a benefits eligibility tool  to help you understand what benefits programs and job protections are available to you.

Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Wage and Hour Division
(609) 292-2305

NJ Tuition Aid Grant (TAG)

Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) is one of the largest and most generous financial aid programs in New Jersey, serving nearly one in three full-time undergraduates.

New Jersey uses a proprietary formula to calculate the New Jersey Eligibility Index (NJEI), which determines eligibility for TAG awards. Students with an NJ Eligibility Index below 1,500 qualify for the maximum awards.

How much is the NJ TAG?

TAG award amounts vary based on the type of institution at which students enroll. For example, the most generous TAG award is $14,404 at independent, non-public institutions, for students with lowest NJEI.

The table below shows the maximum award for students with an NJEI of 1,500 or less.

Part-time TAG is also available for students who are enrolled for 6-11 credits in approved county colleges. The amount of the grant varies depending on student need, cost of attendance and available funding.

Part-time county college students can also receive awards up to $1,161 per semester, depending on how many credits they take.

How do I get a TAG grant in NJ?

To be considered for a TAG award, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application within established NJ deadlines and meet all other program requirements.

New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority
HESAA Customer Care Center
(609) 584-4480

New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid

In May 2018, New Jersey became the 10th state to expand access to state financial aid to DREAMers and undocumented students who meet certain criteria.²

The New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application  allows NJ DREAMers enrolled in eligible New Jersey colleges and universities to apply state-funded financial aid, including:

• Tuition Aid Grant (TAG)
• Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF)
• Other state-administered grants and scholarships

This application is used instead of the FAFSA by students who are not eligible to file a FAFSA due to their immigration status.

NJ STARS

NJ STARS is an initiative created by the State of New Jersey that provides New Jersey’s highest achieving students with free tuition at their home county college.

Students who rank in the top 15% of their class at the end of either junior or senior year of high school may be eligible to receive an NJ STARS award for up to 18 credits per semester.

NJ STARS students must attain with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher to meet the academic requirement for renewal or graduate with GPA of 3.25 or higher to qualify academically for the NJ STARS II program.

NJ STARS II is a continuation of the NJ Stars Program that provides up to $1,250 per semester for up to four consecutive semesters.

How do I apply for the NJ Star program?

Students must complete the FAFSA or NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application within established state deadlines and meet all eligibility requirements.

Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA)
HESAA Customer Care
(609) 584-4480

New Jersey Earned Income Tax Credit (NJEITC)

New Jersey Earned Income Tax Credit (NJEITC) was enacted to supplement the federal EITC by providing additional tax relief to low-income working residents.

NJEITC is a refundable credit, meaning that if the credit amount is larger than your tax bill, you will receive the difference as a refund — even if you do not owe any state income tax.

How much is NJ earned income tax credit?

The NJ credit is a fixed percentage of your allowed federal EITC amount. For tax year 2025, the NJEITC is 40% of the federal credit amount.

For example, if your federal credit is $4,328, the amount of your NJEITC will be $1,731.

Can I get a refund if I owe no tax in New Jersey?

If your NJ EITC is $3,218 and you owe $1,500 in state income tax, the credit cancels your tax bill and you receive the remaining $1,718 as a refund as illustrated in the table below:

To receive the NJEITC, you must file a New Jersey Gross Income Tax Resident Return (Form NJ-1040) using information from your Federal 1040.

NJ Child Tax Credit

New Jersey provides a refundable tax credit  of up to $1,000 per child under age 6 for families earning $30,000 or less. The credit scales down for higher incomes but remains available up to $80,000.

The credit amount is determined by your taxable income level and is awarded for each qualifying child:

No application is needed. Eligible New Jersey residents can claim a refundable Child Tax Credit on their New Jersey Resident Income Tax Return (Form NJ-1040).

NJ Child and Dependent Care Credit

If you pay for childcare so you can work or actively look for work, you may also be eligible for NJ Child and Dependent Care Credit, which has an income limit of $150,000.

The NJ credit is a percentage of your federal Child and Dependent Care Credit, up to 50% for families earning $30,000 or less, with tiered percentages  for higher income brackets.

This credit helps offset expenses for a qualifying child under 13 or disabled dependent when care is needed. For many eligible families, it can result in a refund even if you owe no tax.

To claim this credit, you must first claim the federal Child and Dependent Care Credit using IRS Form 2441, then use that information to claim the New Jersey credit on Form NJ-1040.