Official Site of The State of New JerseyCOVID-19
What you need to know about the New Jersey’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the public health crisis
The Federal National Public Health Emergency (PHE) expired on May 11, 2023.
Visit www.fns.usda.gov/coronavirus for updates and more information.
Note: WFNJ programs has no ongoing flexibilites related to the PHE and is back to regular operating.
Do any of the Public Health Emergency flexibilities for SNAP remain after May 11, 2023?
New Jersey is approved for the following waivers that will continue to help you apply for and stay on SNAP more easily. These waivers will remain in place following the end of the federal Public Health Emergency.
- Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) – Unless otherwise excused, ABAWDs are normally required to meet work requirements when receiving SNAP. Through January 2024, the work requirement will continue to be waived for ABAWD SNAP recipients.
- Telephonic Signature – You will continue to be able to apply for SNAP over the phone with a verbal confirmation in place of your signature or in place of a hard copy signature on an application.
- Interviews – You are not required to complete an interview to apply or recertify for SNAP. Your county board of social services may still schedule an interview or call you to clarify information on your application. Your application will not be denied/your case will not be closed due to a missed interview. However, you should follow-up if the county reaches out so your application may be processed more quickly and to ensure you get the correct amount of benefits.
What ended after May 11, 2023?
Expanded Eligibility for College Students
Under the Public Health Emergency, you may have been eligible for SNAP if you were enrolled at least half time in an institution of higher education and:
- eligible to participate in a state or federally financed work-study program as determined by the institution of higher education; or
- in the current academic year, had an Expected Family Contribution of $0 as determined by the Higher Education Act
Students were able to apply for SNAP using this expanded eligibility until June 9, 2023. Applications filed on or after June 10, 2023, must be processed using the regular eligibility for college students.
If you are already receiving SNAP under the expanded eligibility for college students, recertification applications submitted through June 30, 2023 were processed using the temporary exemptions. Recertification applications submitted on or after July 1, 2023, must be processed using the regular eligibility for college students.
For information about eligibility for college students, visit the “Who is Eligible” section of Get SNAP on www.NJSNAP.gov.
What changes due to the Public Health Emergency previously ended?
SNAP Interim Reporting and Recertification
To stay on SNAP, there are some things you need to do periodically that you may not have been required to do during COVID-19 pandemic. These steps are no longer paused and need to be completed to continue to receive your SNAP benefits.
SNAP Interim Reporting Form (IRF)
An IRF will be sent to you about halfway through your SNAP certification period. You must complete the IRF when it is sent to you and return it or your case will be closed and benefits will end. You may return the IRF by mail in the provided postage paid envelope, by fax it to the number located at the top left of the form or in-person directly to your local board of social services.
If you received a final notice to complete your IRF, but did not receive a form, contact DFD at 1-800-792-9773, press 1 for English or 2 for Spanish and then select option 1 for SNAP assistance. If your case has closed due to an IRF issue, please contact your local board of social services for assistance.
SNAP Recertification
When you are due for a recertification, you will receive a Notice of Expiration letter in the mail from your local board of social services with your interview date. Contact your local board of social services if you have questions about your notice, if you need help completing your recertification, or if your case has closed due to a recertification issue.
More information about staying on SNAP, including IRFs and recertification can be found in the SNAP Recipient section of www.NJSNAP.gov.
Temporary Emergency Supplemental Food Assistance Benefits
February 2023 was the last month households received at least $95 in emergency benefits or the maximum benefit for your household size, whichever is greater.
Starting in March 2023, you will only receive your regular monthly benefit amount.
Additionally, starting in March 2023, all households eligible for SNAP will receive a minimum $95 monthly benefit. If your approved monthly benefit is less than $95, you will receive a supplemental payment to equal $95.
You can check your benefits, change your PIN, report a lost, stolen or damaged card and see your transaction history quickly and securely online at www.njfamiliesfirst.com or on the ConnectEBT app. The same username and password is used for both and can be set up either on the website or on the app. You will need to verify your identity when you set up your account. The ConnectEBT app is free and available in English and Spanish. You can download it in the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.
You also can call customer service at 1-800-997-3333, however, they may be experiencing higher call volumes, so please be patient. Please do not check your balance at the grocery store where cashiers may be very busy.
If you are worried about this reduction in benefits, you should find out what other food assistance programs you may be eligible for including WIC for women and children under 5, free or reduced school meals, or the commodity supplemental food program for adults 60 years of age and over. Visit www.nj211.org/njsnap to find more information and resources.