What you should know
- New Jersey residents financially affected by the pandemic, and who did not qualify for federal or local aid, such as undocumented persons, will soon be able to apply for financial relief of up to $ 2,000 thanks to the Excluded New Jersey Residents Fund, (ENJF , for its acronym in English).
- The state Department of Human Services launched the website on Wednesday so that interested individuals can inquire about the funds and verify that they meet the criteria. This before the application opens in late October, department commissioner Sarah Adelma announced.
- People can check their eligibility to apply on the new website: ExcludedNJFund.nj.gov
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NEW JERSEY – New Jersey residents financially affected by the pandemic, and who did not qualify for federal or local aid, such as undocumented persons, will soon be able to apply for financial relief of up to $ 2,000 thanks to the New Jersey Residents Excluded Fund , (ENJF).
The state Department of Human Services launched the website on Wednesday so that interested individuals can inquire about the funds and verify that they meet the criteria. This before the application opens in late October, department commissioner Sarah Adelma announced.
The ENJF program is administered by the department’s Office for New Americans (ONA).
“We know that families continue to recover from the impacts of the pandemic and this program is here to help. If you think you meet the criteria, I encourage you to take advantage of this moment and prepare by visiting the website to obtain the necessary information for the The website has helpful information that you can use to prepare before the application opens, “said Acting Commissioner Sarah Adelman.
Here we share what you need to know:
What is the New Jersey Residents Excluded Fund about?
The Excluded New Jersey Residents Fund (ENJF) is a program that will provide financial assistance to households that were excluded and were unable to apply for federal stimulus checks and COVID-related unemployment assistance. 19.
Who can apply for the help?
New Jersey residents who were unable to receive federal or local assistance include undocumented individuals, residents returning from the court system, and anyone else excluded from pandemic-related financial assistance.
Applicants will have to provide certain information and documentation to demonstrate that they meet the criteria to apply for the program.
Individuals with annual income less than $ 55,000 with a documented hardship or loss of income due to COVID-19, can apply for this assistance.
All applicants must be 18 years or older and reside in the state of New Jersey.
How much is the aid?
Qualifying households will receive a benefit of $ 1,000 per eligible person and a maximum of $ 2,000 per household.
How will I receive financial relief?
The ENJF program will provide the one-time benefit to eligible households. Approved applicants can select payment method, options are as follows: direct deposit, check by mail, or prepaid card.
Who has priority to receive the aid?
Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis and until funds are exhausted.
When will the Fund be available?
The Department noted that they will be available soon, probably in late October. To be pending visit this website.
What documents do I need to present to apply for the aid?
NOTE: Applicants will not be asked for information related to their place of birth, citizenship, or immigration status.
As part of the application process, individuals will need to submit supporting documents showing:
Evidence of exclusion from federal stimulus and unemployment assistance related to COVID-19, (PUA):
- Applicants must provide proof that they were excluded from both federal stimulus checks and COVID-related unemployment assistance through bank statements and the self-declaration form.
- Bank statements must show household income for the time the federal stimulus checks were issued that do not show additional deposits or income from any COVID-19 related assistance.
Proof of financial hardship due to pandemic:
Applicants will also need to show that they have suffered financial hardship due to COVID-19, such as a loss of income or expenses related to COVID.
- Reduced Income / Wages as a Result of Job Loss or Hours Reduction:
- Most recent pay bills or representative of household income for the past 12 months.
- Employer notice (optional template available).
- Bank statements that reflect a significant change in direct or manual deposits over the course of 3-6 months.
- Inability to pay for basic costs, such as housing costs and medical expenses:
- Proof of arrears in rent or utilities.
- Unpaid COVID-related medical bills for doctor visits, hospitalization, or medications for oneself or a family member.
- Owner letter confirming difficulties (optional template available).
- COVID-19 illness or death of a household member:
- Funeral expenses related to a household member due to COVID-19.
- Death certificate.
- Medical documentation related to COVID-19. (Positive COVID test or hospitalization documentation).
Proof of household income under $ 55,000:
Proof of family income under $ 55,000, the documents listed below can be used to prove family income:
- Bank statements.
- Payment invoices.
- Employer letter.
- Award letter from a social services agency (example: Social Security or Veterans Affairs).
The definition of home:
- If someone lives with you and depends on your income (you pay your bills and support it), they are part of your household. For example, if you financially support a child or grandparent who lives with you, they count as part of your household.
- If there are multiple employed persons who support your dependents, that combined income constitutes your total household income. For example, if you earn $ 16,000 and your spouse earns $ 14,000, then your total household income is $ 30,000.
- If other roommates live in your home, but are financially independent (pay their own bills), then they do not count as part of your household.
Proof of identity, residence, age
Applicants must present a document from List A or a combination of one (1) selection from List B and one (1) selection from List C to prove their identity and residency.
List A (Documents that establish both identity and residence):
- New Jersey or municipal identification card with full name and address.
- New Jersey driver’s license with full name and address.
- Student ID card from a school located in New Jersey.
- Utility bill, cell phone bill, or internet bill showing your name and address.
- Bank statement or insurance statement showing your name and New Jersey address.
- 2019/2020 tax return showing New Jersey name and address.
- Employer pay stub showing your New Jersey name and address.
- Rent receipt, lease, mortgage statement, or property tax statement showing your name and address.
- Letter from social services agency, health care provider, or government agency showing name and New Jersey address for the last 12 months.
List B (Documents establishing Identity):
- Student ID card from any school.
- Passport of any country.
- Consulate identification card.
- Birth certificate from any country.
- U.S. birth certificates of a child that list the applicant as the parent.
- Work ID issued.
- International driver’s license.
- Letter of issuance of the taxpayer’s personal identification number (ITIN) from the IRS or ITIN card.
- Identification of the Department of Prisons.
- Marriage certificate or divorce record from any country.
- High school or university transcript from any country
- US court documents in which the applicant is designated as part of US Union identification.
- US Professional License
List C (Documents establishing Residence):
Signed and dated letter indicating the full name and phone number of the person writing the letter from the following entities (optional template available):
- Homeowner Recognizes New Jersey Residency
- Representative of your place of worship
- Medical provider, service provider, or shelter
Will receiving this help get someone a public charge? or will it affect the ability to obtain a green card (adjust status) or to become a US citizen?
Assistance from this fund is considered one-time emergency relief assistance and should not be considered under the public charge rule.
Do I have to return this money? Will it affect my taxes?
No, all payments are made as grants and are classified as emergency aid under the IRS and should not be included as taxable income.
Where can I get more information?
People can check their eligibility to apply on the new website: ExcludedNJFund.nj.gov
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