This site is privately owned and is not affiliated with any government agency. Learn more here.

Food Stamps

New Jersey Food Stamp Program

New Jersey food stamps make it simpler for families to purchase groceries to make nourishing breakfasts, energy-filled lunches and nutritious dinners. Also called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), this federal initiative distributes funds to households in need. With these food assistance benefits, claimants may visit supermarkets and purchase foods that will help them sustain healthy lifestyles.

SNAP in New Jersey is used by individuals and families throughout the state. Generally, the NJ Department of Human Services (DHS) qualifies these petitioners as low-income, which permits them to receive SNAP food stamps through the government. Within the DHS is the Division of Family Development (DFD), which directly oversees this public benefits program. From the time candidates submit their applications until they reapply for benefits, petitioners interact with DFD representatives. Therefore, it is important that claimants and enrollees understand the division’s expectations and requirements for funding recipients. The sections below outline these regulations so claimants know what to anticipate when they file their claims. Furthermore, additional sections address what petitioners need to do once they are accepted into the program and need to access or renew their benefits.

What are food stamps in New Jersey?

New Jersey SNAP food benefits help support households that are in financial distress. The DFD awards these funds on a monthly basis, and claimants receive Electronic Benefits Transfers (EBT) onto their state-issued debit cards. Once these transfers occur, claimants may access their food stamps benefits and begin spending their funds. However, petitioners who successfully enroll in the program must remember that there are specific requirements they must meet regarding how they may use their food stamps. For example, claimants may only use their funds to purchase:

  • Vegetables and fruits.
  • Grains and starches.
  • Meats and poultry.
  • Seafood and dairy products.

Furthermore, petitioners need to be aware that there are certain limitations relating to where they may spend their SNAP benefits. For example, enrollees may not spend SNAP at adult entertainment facilities, casinos or liquor stores. However, as long as claimants understand how and where they can use their food assistance benefits in NJ, they should be able to access their benefits with ease.

New Jersey Food Stamps Requirements

The New Jersey food stamps requirements for enrollment are designed to help ensure that claimants in the most need are able to access program funds. The current prerequisites relate to different aspects of petitioners’ candidacy. One of the most important requirements for food stamps has to do with applicants’ financial eligibility. Since SNAP is only available to low-income claimants, the DHS and the federal government impose limits regarding how much income applicants may earn in their households. Furthermore, claimants must remember that these maximum limits are determined based on the sizes of their households and the number of members currently residing together.

However, applicants must also be aware that NJ food stamps eligibility is not based solely on claimants’ household earnings. Additional factors, like familial assets, residency and immigration statuses, are also important. In any case, candidates must meet all of these requirements before they are awarded program funding.

How to Apply for Food Stamps in New Jersey

Prospective candidates must know how to apply for food stamps in New Jersey before they attempt to file their claims with the DFD. There are various methods petitioners can use to file their claims, which make it easy for candidates to apply, regardless of where they live or if they have internet access.

One of the most convenient ways for claimants to petition for enrollment is to file an online food stamps application. With this option, candidates may file their applications from the comfort of their own homes or by using computers at nearby libraries. Alternatively, claimants who prefer to use paper applications may obtain these documents from their local county’s Board of Social Services. Petitioners may also apply for food assistance by downloading program applications from state websites.

Preparing for the New Jersey Food Stamps Interview

Oftentimes, petitioners must participate in a New Jersey food stamps interview before they may receive program benefits. When claimants report to their County Welfare Agency (CWA), they must be sure to bring proof of the following information:

  • Identity: Official photo identification or birth certificate.
  • Social Security Number (SSN): Social Security card or tax documents that include printed SSNs.
  • Address: Rent receipt, tax statement or mortgage payment.
  • Immigration status: I-94 or I-551.
  • Resources: Bank statements, automobile titles or trust funds.
  • Income: Pay stubs or tax records.
  • Passive income: Pension, bank interest, child support or disability information.

Additionally, candidates who ask, “What do you need for the food stamps interview?” may consider bringing copies of documents that prove their expenses. For example, claimants may need to bring proof of:

  • Rent.
  • Utilities.
  • Child care.
  • Medical expenses.
  • Homeowner’s insurance premiums.

How to Use the New Jersey EBT Card

Many claimants eagerly ask, “How long does it take to get a New Jersey EBT card?” Generally, the division will mail these cards to petitioners once their applications are no longer pending and the claimants are officially admitted into the program. In any case, enrollees must remember that they will not be able to access their SNAP funds until their NJ EBT card arrives. This is because the program no longer relies on benefit vouchers to support program enrollees. These cards work like standard debit cards, and petitioners may swipe them at point-of-sale machines in grocery stores. Furthermore, this switch to an electronic distribution system provides beneficiaries with more control over their SNAP accounts. Candidates can better keep track of how much they spend and the benefits they have remaining in their accounts.

For example, petitioners have more ways they can check their EBT card balance. Enrollees can review the funds that are available in their accounts by:

  • Checking their latest receipts: Whenever claimants use their EBT cards, their remaining SNAP balances are printed on the receipts they receive after completing their purchases.
  • Visiting ATMs: Beneficiaries may check their EBT balances for free at local ATM machines.
  • Logging into their SNAP accounts: Enrollees can review their account balances and recent purchases once they log into their online food stamp portals.
  • Calling customer service: Food stamp recipients may call the SNAP customer service line and check their balances over the phone.

How to Appeal a New Jersey Food Stamps Denial

Applicants who receive a New Jersey food stamps denial have the opportunity to appeal these decisions. Generally, claimants must notify the department of their intent to appeal within 90 days. Somewhere in their petitions, candidates need to explain why they wish to appeal these decisions. In addition, claimants who have their food stamps application denied should directly reference in their appeals the determinations they are hoping to overturn. If possible, petitioners should also consider submitting copies of their denials along with their requests to appeal.

How to Renew Your Food Stamps in New Jersey

Claimants who submit an NJ food stamps renewal application are indicating to the DFD that they would like to continue to receive program benefits beyond their upcoming expiration dates. In most cases, enrollees decide to file these requests before their claims become invalid because they do not want to experience lapses in coverage. Generally, petitioners may renew food stamps online through the portal or by submitting paper applications to the department. No matter how beneficiaries complete this step, they must be sure to accurately report any changes to their household statuses. Specifically, petitioners need to disclose if their households changed in size or if their earned incomes have

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What income do you need to have in order to be eligible for food stamps in New Jersey?

The following is a list of the maximum allowable monthly income as it pertains to the number of household members. This information will indicate whether or not you qualify for food stamps in New Jersey.
1 $1,276
2 $1,726
3 $2,177
4 $2,628
5 $3,078
6 $3,529
7 $3,980
8 $4,430
9 $4,881
10 $5,332
11 $5,783
12 $5,234
13 $6,685
14 $7,136
15 $7,587
16 $8,038
17 $8,489
18 $8,940
19 $9,391
20 $9,842

How can I contact the food stamp department directly?

Every county in New Jersey has its own Social Services department. Below is a list of all the departments along with the contact information and office hours.

Atlantic  County
Department of Family and Community Development
1333 Atlantic Avenue
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
(609) 348-3001
Fax: (609) 343-2374
Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Bergen County
Bergen County Board of Social Services
218 Route 17 North
17 Park Office Center – Building A
Rochelle Park, NJ 07662
(201) 368-4200
Fax: (201) 368-8710
Hours: 7:45 AM- 4:45 PM
Tues.: 7:45 AM -8:00 PM

Burlington County
Burlington County Board of Social Services
Human Services Facility
795 Woodlane Road
Mount Holly, NJ 08060
(609) 261-1000
Fax: (609) 261-0463
Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Camden County
Camden County Board of Social Service
Althea R. Wright Administration Bldg.
600 Market Street
Camden, NJ 08102-1255
(856) 225-8800
Fax: (856) 225-7797
Hours: 8:30 AM -4:30 AM

Cape May County
Cape May County Board of Social Services
4005 Route 9 South
Rio Grande, NJ 08242
South Rio Grande, NJ 08242
(609) 886-6200
Fax: (609) 889-9332
Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Cumberland County
Cumberland County Board of Social Services
275 North Delsea Dr.
Vineland, NJ 08360-3607
(856) 691-4600
Fax: (856) 692-7635
Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Essex County
Essex County Dept of Citizen Services
Division of Welfare
18 Rector Street – 9th Floor
Newark, NJ 07102
(973) 733-3000
Fax: (973) 643-3985
Hours: 7:30 AM -4:00 PM
Weds. by appointment only – (973) 733-2001: 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM
* Closed to public every 3rd Thursday of the month.*

Gloucester County
Gloucester County Division of Social Services
400 Hollydell Drive
Sewell, NJ 08080
(856) 582-9200
Fax: (856) 582-6587
Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Every 1st & 3rd Tues. 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM

Hudson County
Hudson County Dept of Family Services
Division of Welfare
257 Cornelison Ave.
Jersey City, NJ 07302
(201) 420-3000
Fax: (201) 420-0343
Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:15 PM

Hunterdon County
Hunterdon County
Department of Human Services
Division of Social Services
PO Box 2900
6 Gauntt Place
Flemington, NJ 08822
(908) 788-1300
Fax: (908) 806-4588
Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 AM

Mercer County
Mercer County Board of Social Services
200 Woolverton Street
Trenton, NJ 08611
(609) 989-4320
Fax: (609) 989-0405
Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Tues.: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM

Middlesex County
Middlesex County Board of Social Services
181 How Lane
New Brunswick, NJ 08903
(732) 745-3500
Fax: (732) 745-4558
Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:15 PM

Monmouth County
Monmouth County Division of Social Services
PO Box 3000
3000 Kozloski Road
Freehold, NJ 07728
(732) 431-6000
Fax: (732) 431-6017

Freehold Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:40 PM
Thurs.: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM

Ocean Field Office: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Tues. & Weds.: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM

Morris County
Morris County
Office of Temporary Assistance
340 W. Hanover Ave
Morristown, NJ 07960
PO Box 900
Morristown, NJ 07963
(973) 326-7800
Fax: (973) 326-7875
Hours: 8:30 AM -4:30 PM
Every Other Tues.: 8:30 -7:30 PM

Ocean County
Ocean County Board of Social Services
1027 Hooper Avenue
Toms River, NJ 08753
PO Box 547
Toms River, NJ 08757
(732) 349-1500
Fax: (732) 244-8075
Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Tues.: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Passaic County
Passaic County Board of Social Services
80 Hamilton Street
Paterson, NJ 07505-2057
(973) 881-0100
Fax: (973) 881-3232
Hours: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Doors are closed to the public at 4:15 PM)

Salem County
Salem County Board of Social Services
147 South Virginia Avenue
Penns Grove, NJ 08069
(856) 299-7200
Fax: (856) 299-3245
Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Somerset County
Somerset County Board of Social Services
PO Box 936
73 East High Street
Somerville, NJ 08876
(908) 526-8800
Fax: (908) 707-1974
Hours: 8:15 AM – 6:00 PM
Field Office Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Sussex County
Sussex County Division of Social Services
83 Spring Street, Suite 203
Newton, NJ 07860
PO Box 218
Newton, NJ 07860
(973) 383-3600
Fax: (973) 383-3627
Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Union County
Union County Division of Social Services
342 Westminster Avenue
Elizabeth, NJ 07208
(908) 965-2700
Fax: (908) 965-2758
Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Warren County
Warren County Division of Temporary Assistance and Social Services
1 Shotwell Dr.
Belvidere, NJ 07823
(908) 475-6301
Fax: (908) 475-1533
Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Helpful Links : You can visit the New Jersey food stamp website here.