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 of three is considered “needy” if its countable income is less than $839 per month. 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
2	$638
3	$839
4	$966
5	$1,092
6	$1,221
7	$1,341
8	$1,442

The amounts shown represent income eligibility thresholds by household size. Families with income at or below these limits may be eligible for TANF benefits.

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
2	$425
3	$559
4	$644
5	$728
6	$814
7	$894
8	$961

The amounts shown represent the maximum monthly cash benefits available to families with no countable income. Actual payments may vary based on a family’s income and other eligibility factors.

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 Social Service Agency that serves your area.¹

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 documents do I need to apply for TANF in New Jersey?

When you apply for TANF cash assistance in New Jersey, you may be asked to provide all or some of the following documents:

A valid photo ID
Social Security numbers for the people applying (or proof that you have applied for them)
Proof of residency (where you live), such as a lease or a utility bill
Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status
Proof of your children’s identity and their relationship to you, such as birth certificates
Proof of earned and unearned income for everyone in your household, such as pay stubs
Proof of other resources, such as bank statements, if the state asks for them
Proof of pregnancy, if you are applying while pregnant
Information about the children’s other parent, such as a name and last known address, which states use for child support
Any additional documents needed to verify your household’s situation

Each state sets its own rules, and what you need may depend on your situation. If you are not sure what to bring, contact NJ Helps (DHS) at (800) 792-9773 and they can tell you exactly what your application requires.

How long does TANF last in NJ?

Under TANF/WFNJ a family may receive assistance for a lifetime total of 60 months, with limited extensions available in specific hardship or exemption circumstances.

If you have reached the 60-month lifetime limit, you may qualify for an additional 24 months of cash benefits through Supportive Assistance to Individuals and Families (SAIF).

To apply for services under SAIF, you must submit an application to your County Welfare Office or your Municipal Welfare Office.

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. ²

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

Sources & notes

Data and figures on this page come from the sources and notes below:

To apply in person download and complete application and bring, mail or fax to your County Social Service Agency . ↩
National Council on Aging . What Is General Assistance and Who Qualifies for It? ↩