Work First NJ (WFNJ)
Work First New Jersey (WFNJ), the state’s welfare program, provides time-limited cash assistance 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.
Unless exempt, adult recipients are required to participate in a work activity or employment for at least 35 hours per week, beginning in the first month they receive benefits.
FAQ
Who qualifies for TANF in NJ?
To qualify for WFNJ/TANF in New Jersey, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen, legal alient or a lawful permanent resident.
- Be a resident of the state of New Jersey.
- Be pregnant or have a child under age 19.
- Be unemployed or under employed with very low wages equal to or less than the maximum allowable income limit.
What is the income limit for TANF in NJ?
In New Jersey, a family is considered “needy” when their countable income is less than $839 a month for a family of three. The limit for countable resources is $2,000.
The income limits for families of different sizes are listed in the table below.
| Household Size | Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $321 |
| 2 | $638 |
| 3 | $839 |
| 4 | $966 |
| 5 | $1,092 |
| 6 | $1,221 |
| 7 | $1,341 |
| 8 | $1,442 |
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.
| Household Size | Payment |
|---|---|
| 1 | $214 |
| 2 | $425 |
| 3 | $559 |
| 4 | $644 |
| 5 | $728 |
| 6 | $814 |
| 7 | $894 |
| 8 | $961 |
As a WFNJ recipient, you may also receive up to $100 per month of child support payments that are collected on behalf. For more information about child support, call
New Jersey Child Support Services
Customer Service Line
(877) 655-4371
How do I apply for Work First NJ?
Applications for Work First NJ can be done online at MyNJHelps or in person at the County Welfare Agency that serves your area.
After your application is filed, an interview will be arranged to determine your eligibility. The interview will be either over the phone or in person.
If deemed eligible, you’ll receive your benefits through the “Families First” card which can be used at merchants POS terminals and ATM’s.
New Jersey Department of Human Services
Benefits Assistance / County Welfare Agencies
(800) 687-9512
What is General Assistance in NJ?
New Jersey is one of only a few states that still provides a cash benefit to childless adults and couples who don’t qualify for other types of cash aid.
In New Jersey, maximum GA benefits are $185 per month for an adult recipient and $254 per month for a couple where one or both are employable. 1
| Recipient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Single | $185 |
| Couple | $254 |
GA assistance recipients are required, as a condition of eligibility, to participate in a work activity or a job for at least 30 hours per week.
Who qualifies for NJ Emergency Assistance?
Work First NJ recipients who are homeless, at immediate risk of homelessness, or have experienced a substantial loss of housing, food, clothing, or household furnishings due to fire, flood, or similar disaster may apply for Emergency Assistance (EA).
Emergency assistance is limited to no more than 12 months, maybe longer under certain hardship circumstances. If you have experienced a disaster and are in need of emergency assistance, please call
Footnotes
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National Council on Aging . What Is General Assistance and Who Qualifies for It? ↩