Food & Nutrition

New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

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You may be eligible to receive

$158/month

in SNAP benefits. Click to apply online below and get help paying for food.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, helps many older adults, people with disabilities, and families in New Jersey pay for food.

If you're approved for SNAP benefits, the government will issue your funds through an electronic benefits card (EBT card) called the Families First card. This card looks and works just like a prepaid debit card, with a unique 16-digit account number and a magnetic strip on the back. Your card can be used at most grocery stores, convenience stores, superstores, wholesale retailers, and even farmers markets in New Jersey to buy SNAP-approved food items. You can also make SNAP purchases on Amazon.

Frequently asked questions

How does New Jersey SNAP work?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), once known as Food Stamps, is run by the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS). County Social Services Agencies across the state provide local support for people who receive SNAP and other types of public assistance.

SNAP can help you stretch your grocery dollars further every month. This is because the money you would have spent on groceries can now be spent on other basic living costs like your utility bills, prescriptions, and medical bills. There are many items that are SNAP-eligible, and then others that are not covered under your benefits.

What is the SNAP application process like in New Jersey?

While the idea of applying for SNAP may seem overwhelming, it’s not as complicated as you might think. And, you don’t have to apply all by yourself. If you need help, a friend, family member, or county agency case worker can assist you.

Generally, here are the steps to apply for New Jersey SNAP:

Check your eligibility: Visit NJ Helps and click on ‘Get Started’ under ‘Screen.’ Take the screening to see if you can get SNAP benefits.
Fill out an application: You can apply for New Jersey SNAP online, in person, or by mail or fax. Completing the application can take anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes. Note: No documentation is necessary to start the application process, but you must complete and submit your application before you can secure a benefit start date.
Have an interview: While you wait for your application to be processed, you must have a phone or in-person interview with a case worker.
Wait for a decision: Most New Jersey SNAP applications are processed within 30 days from the date on your application. If you have an urgent need for food, you may be able to have your application processed faster.
Receive your EBT card: If you’re approved for SNAP benefits, you will receive your new Families First EBT card in the mail with a guide on how to use it.

How do I know if I am eligible for SNAP?

You can apply for all the people living in your home who buy and fix meals with you (defined as a “household”). To be eligible for SNAP, your household must meet the following basic guidelines:

All applicants must be a resident of New Jersey.
All applicants must be a U.S. citizen or lawfully present non-citizen.
Most able-bodied adults with no dependents (age 16 to 59) must meet certain work requirements.
The household must meet certain income (and in some cases, resource) limits.
All applicants must have a Social Security number (or proof they have applied for one).

The amount of money you will get in New Jersey SNAP benefits depends on:

How much you earn from your job or other income you receive, like Social Security
How many people live with you

What are the New Jersey SNAP income limits?

The chart below shows the maximum monthly gross and net income households can earn and still get SNAP benefits. In New Jersey, most households must meet a gross income limit of 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

What do the terms “gross” and “net” mean?

Gross monthly income is the amount before taxes or other deductions are taken out.
Net monthly income is what is left of gross income after certain allowable expenses are subtracted.

These figures are effective for 2025 (Oct. 1, 2024 – Sept. 30, 2025). You can use the site you’re currently on to check your eligibility—just scroll up and click on the black button that says ‘See If You May Be Eligible.’

Family size	Maximum net monthly income (100% FPL)
1	$ 1,255
2	$ 1,704
3	$ 2,152
4	$ 2,600
5	$ 3,049
For each additional person, add:	+$ 449

Source: USDA.gov, SNAP Eligibility (October 2024)

You may qualify for deductions that reduce your countable income. This can help your household meet the SNAP income limit. A county agency case worker can tell you which deductions your household qualifies for. Common deductions include:

20% earned income deduction
Standard deduction based on household size
Dependent care deduction
Medical expenses for older household members (60+) or members with a disability
Legally owed child support payments
Allowable deductions for utilities, rent, and mortgage/interest/property taxes

What are the New Jersey SNAP resource limits?

Resources refer to the assets and property your household owns that can be converted into cash (e.g., cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, real estate). In most cases, New Jersey does not have a resource limit for SNAP. If your household has a member who is age 60+ or has a disability, and your household did not meet the gross income test, there is an asset limit of $4,250. If you own a home, the home and the land it sits on are not counted toward the asset limit. Most retirement and pension plans are not counted (although withdrawals from these plans may be counted as income).

How do I prepare to apply?

If you’re not sure whether you can get SNAP benefits, visit NJ Helps and click on ‘Get Started’ under ‘Screen.’ Take the brief screening.

When you do apply, you’ll be asked for important information to help determine if you qualify and the amount you can get each month. Before you start, gather some basic information to make your application process easier:

Household income from jobs, child support, and other income sources
Social Security numbers and birth dates of all household members
Housing (rent/mortgage) and utility (phone, electric, gas, water) costs
Child care or dependent care costs
Medical costs (if you are age 60+ or have a disability)
Child support paid by a person in your household

To verify the information above, you will need the following for everyone in your household applying for SNAP:

A valid ID (e.g., driver’s license, birth certificate, government ID)
Proof of where you live (e.g., lease, rental agreement, utility bill), unless you are unhoused
Proof of earned income (e.g., paystubs, employer letter, recent tax records)
Proof of unearned income (benefits award letter)
Proof of resources (e.g., bank statements)
Proof of immigration status (for non-citizens)
Proof of student status (for college students)

If you would like to have someone else (like a friend or family member) help you gather the necessary documents, complete your SNAP application, and even join you in your interview, you can name that person as your Authorized Representative in your application.

How do I apply for SNAP in New Jersey?

There are several ways to apply for New Jersey SNAP. Read below to learn more about which option might be right for you.

APPLY ONLINE

The quickest and easiest way to apply for SNAP is online at NJ Helps. You’ll be glad to know when you do, all your personal information is kept 100% confidential and protected by special security technology.

Apply on NJ Helps

To apply online:

Visit the NJ Helps website and click on ‘Get Started!’ under ‘Apply.’
On the next screen, click on ‘Get Started!’ under ‘Food Assistance.’
- If you already have a NJ Helps account, click ‘Login’ and enter your username and password.
- If you do not have an account, click ‘Create new account.’ and follow the prompts to set up your username and password.
Once you've created an account, log in and click on 'New Application.'
Follow the prompts to complete a SNAP application. It should take you about 20 to 45 minutes (but you can save your progress and come back if you need to; all you need to do is log back in with the username and password you set up earlier).
You can provide supporting documents by uploading them to your NJ Helps account, dropping them off at your nearest county agency, or mailing them to your county agency.

Tips for success:

Fill out as much information as you can; it’s better to guess or leave some parts blank rather than wait to verify the information. You can save your application progress in the system and return later to finish it, if necessary.
If your primary language is Spanish, click ‘Translate’ at the top right of your screen and choose ‘Spanish’ from the drop-down menu.
Watch this video tutorial for additional guidance on applying for New Jersey SNAP online (a Spanish version is also available).

APPLY IN PERSON, BY MAIL, OR FAX

To apply in person, by mail, or by fax, you will first need a paper application. Below, you will find the New Jersey application for benefits (In English and in Spanish) that you can download and print out at home:

Then, complete the application and mail, fax, or return it in person to your local county agency. Find the agency serving your county to request their mailing address or fax number.

What if I need food assistance right away?

You may be able to get New Jersey SNAP benefits sooner (within 7 calendar days from the date on your application) if your food needs are urgent. You can receive expedited (faster) SNAP assistance if you and your household meet at least one of the following conditions:

You have less than $150 in monthly income and less than $100 in liquid resources (cash on hand, savings, or checking).
You have housing costs that are more than your monthly income and liquid resources.
You or someone in your household is a migrant or seasonal farm worker with less than $100 in liquid resources.

Need food today? Visit the Community Food Bank of New Jersey (CFBNJ) website to find local resources while you wait for your SNAP application to be processed.

How can I get help with my application?

There are several ways to get help filling out your New Jersey SNAP application. You can:

Find and contact a SNAP Navigator in your area.
Contact the CFBNK SNAP Outreach Team.
Call your local county agency.
Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near where you live. See if there’s one in your area.

NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call 1-855-534-1245.

What happens after I apply for SNAP in New Jersey?

It can take up to 30 days for your county agency to process your SNAP application (within 7 days if you’re requesting expedited benefits). If you’re approved, the date you submit your application is the earliest date your benefits can begin.

After your application is received, you may be contacted to have an interview with a case worker. These are usually done over the phone, but can also be done face-to-face at your request. To make sure you don't miss a letter or call from the agency, it's important to check your mail regularly and pick up the phone (even for calls from “unknown” or blocked numbers).

What can I expect during my SNAP interview?

Don’t worry—the purpose of the interview is not to try to disqualify you for benefits. It is simply to double-check the information you already provided. In addition, your case worker can tell you more about the program, answer any questions, and help you get any information or documents you’re having trouble providing.

During your SNAP interview, you may be asked questions such as:

What is your full name and birthday?
What is your Social Security number?
Where do you live? (You can still qualify if you are houseless.)
Are you a U.S. citizen? (You may still qualify if you are a noncitizen.)
What is your monthly income?
Do you pay utilities, such as an electric bill or cable TV bill?
What other regular bills do you have?

It’s a good idea to practice answering these questions before your interview, either in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend or family member. That way, you will feel less nervous and be able to respond with confidence.

Once all requested information is received, you will receive a letter in the mail telling you if you were approved or denied for SNAP benefits. If you are approved, the notice will tell you the amount of benefits approved, when benefits will start, and the amount of income and deductions used to make the decision. If you are denied, the notice will tell you the reason why.

If you applied online, you can check your New Jersey SNAP application status by visiting the NJ Helps website and logging in to your account.

What happens after I am approved for SNAP?

If you are approved for New Jersey SNAP, the letter you receive will explain your monthly benefits amount and how long you’ll get benefits for (this is called your “certification period”). For most households in New Jersey, that period is 12 or 24 months. You must complete an Interim Reporting Form (IRF) halfway through your certification period if you want to continue benefits.

Shortly after you are approved for SNAP, you will receive your Families First EBT card in the mail with instructions on how to activate and use it. Your first month of benefits will be deposited into your account when your application is approved. Each month you are still eligible, benefits will be deposited at the beginning of the month.

Other important tips to know

What if my New Jersey SNAP application is denied?

Your SNAP decision notice will include instructions for filing an appeal if you don’t agree with the decision. You can file an appeal online or in writing.

How can I view my SNAP benefits information?

You can log in to your NJ Helps account to check the status of your SNAP application, view your benefits, upload documents, report changes, and see important notices and reminders about your benefits.

How do I manage my New Jersey EBT card?

To create or change your EBT card PIN number, check the balance on your card, or report a lost or stolen card, call EBT Customer Service at 1-800-997-3333. You can also visit the ConnectEBT site or download the ConnectEBT App in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. You must create an account first.

Do I need to report changes to my household situation?

You must report certain changes that can impact your SNAP benefit amount within 10 days of the change. Your county agency will let you know what you need to report and when.

Changes you may need to report include:

Changes in household size
Change in residence and resulting change in shelter costs
New employment
Changes in source or amount of unearned income of $100.00 or more
Changes in amount of earned income of more than $100.00
Changes in amount of legally obligated child support received

When should you renew your SNAP benefits in New Jersey?

New Jersey SNAP households must complete the recertification process at the end of their certification period in order to continue receiving SNAP benefits. Toward the end of your certification period, you will receive a Notice of Expiration letter in the mail from your county agency. It will contain a scheduled interview appointment time, recertification application, and list of documents you need to submit.

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