NEW JERSEY — Good news for New Jersey citizens who are eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
That’s because the minimum monthly SNAP benefit has increased to $50e New Jersey General Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin calls it a “Incredibly meaningful to our working families and seniors, especially as we prepare for the end of the pandemic-era federal SNAP expansions that have provided unprecedented relief to support people.”
“For many months, people have been dealing with inflation and the rising cost of everyday goods. The result: More and more of our neighbors are struggling to keep healthy and nutritious food on their tables. For many of them, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has been a lifeline… Now the state’s minimum benefit for all SNAP-qualifying families is $50 a month” added Coughlin.
On the other hand, by January 2023, families will also receive at least $95 in emergency benefits or the maximum benefit for their family size, whichever is greater. These temporary additional emergency benefits will be available when regular SNAP benefits are available.
You can check your benefits, change your PIN, report a lost, stolen or damaged card and view your transaction history quickly and securely online at www.njfamiliesfirst.com or on the ConnectEBT app. The ConnectEBT app is free and available in English and Spanish.
You can also call customer service at 1-800-997-3333.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit recipients have received additional appropriations to offset the economic pressure caused by the pandemic over the past two-and-a-half years.
But how long can they continue to receive the additional dues?
Every 90 days, the federal government determines whether to roll over the public health emergency declared in January 2020, allowing for a variety of benefits, including emergency authorization of COVID vaccines, free testing and treatment, expanded by Medicare, and additional monthly benefits from SNAP .
In October, the declaration was extended until January 11, 2023.
That means the extension will allow states like New York and New Jersey to continue handing out fringe benefits through February.
In the coming weeks, President Joe Biden’s administration will announce whether it will renew the statement yet again.
Families currently at the highest subsidy level, which would be $939 for a family of four, will receive an additional payment of at least $95.
On the other hand, New Jersey has chosen not to wait for the federal government to extend emergency aid. In November, Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation increasing payments from the state’s SNAP program.
Starting this week and continuing through 2023, cardholders will receive an additional $50 each month.
How to stay with SNAP benefits
Once you’ve been approved for SNAP, there are a few things you need to do to stay on SNAP. Here’s what you should keep in mind for 2023 on how to keep up with the benefits:
SNAP interim report and recertification
To stay on SNAP, there are some things you need to do on a regular basis that you may not have had to do during the COVID-19 pandemic. These steps are no longer pending and must be completed to continue receiving SNAP benefits.
SNAP Intermediate Reporting Form (IRF)
The beneficiaries are will send an IRF approximately halfway through the SNAP certification period. You must complete the IRF when it is mailed to you and return it or your case will be closed and your benefits will cease. You can return the IRF by post in the stamped envelope provided, by fax to the number on the top left of the form, or in person directly to your local social services agency.
If you received a final notice to complete your IRF, but have not received a form, contact DFD at 1-800-792-9773, press 2 for Spanish, then select option 1 for SNAP assistance. If your case was closed due to an IRF issue, contact your local board of social services for assistance.
Noticeable IRF Changes Required:
- A change in gross unearned income greater than $100.00.
- A change in gross earned income greater than $100.00.
- A change of residence and the consequent change in the cost of housing.
- A change in your SNAP family members.
- A change in child support payments of more than $50.
- Lottery or gambling winnings of $3,750 or more.
SNAP Recertification
The recertification extensions are being phased out. When you need to recertify, you will receive a deadline notice letter in the mail from your local board of social services with the date of your interview. Contact your local board of social services if you have questions about your notification, need help completing your recertification, or if your case was closed due to a recertification issue.
Learn more about staying on SNAP, including IRF and recertification, in the SNAP Recipients section of www.NJSNAP.gov.
Families must complete the recertification process by the end of the certification period to continue receiving SNAP benefits.
Report a change outside the IRF/recertification period
If your household experiences certain changes during your SNAP eligibility period, you may need to report those changes within 10 days of the date your household becomes aware of the change. Your county’s board of social services will tell you what to report and when.
Changes you may need to report include:
- New employment within 10 days from the date of receipt of the first payment.
- Changes in the source or amount of unearned income of $100.00 or more.
- Changes in the amount of earned income above $100.00.
- Changes in the composition of the family unit.
- Changes of residence and consequent change in accommodation costs.
- Changes in the amount of legally required child support received.
- To report any of these changes, contact your county’s Board of Human Services.
job requirements
SNAP Participants between the ages of 16 and 60 who are not expressly exempt by law are subject to work requirements as a condition of qualification. As a SNAP Participant, you must meet the following general job requirements:
- Register to work;
- Participate in a SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) program to the extent required (30 hours per week or an average of 120 hours per month);
- Attend Work (a type of voluntary work), if assigned;
- Accept suitable employment, if offered;
- Do not voluntarily quit a job that works 30 or more hours per week or reduce work commitments to less than 30 hours per week.
Where can I claim benefits and see if I’m eligible
Individuals interested in receiving SNAP benefits you can visit this site.
How can I get help filling out the application or inquiring about the process?
The New Jersey Department of Human Services has expanded its free and confidential service to all 21 counties in the state to help individuals who wish to apply for the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP).
The service with consultants, known as SNAP navigators, is responsible for helping answer questions about the SNAP program and helping people apply for program benefits. Previously, SNAP Navigators from three agencies served parts of the state. There are now 11 agencies with SNAP Navigator available to assist residents across the state with one more agency beginning service in January 2023.
