Official Site of The State of New Jersey
WFNJ uses “Families First,” an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card, for you to access your cash assistance and NJ Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (NJ SNAP) benefits. (General Assistance clients who receive cash assistance from a municipal welfare agency still receive a check, but your SNAP benefits are available on your Families First card.) The card can be used as a debit card to purchase items at authorized stores. The card also can be used to withdraw cash benefits from Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) with the Quest® logo.
To replace a lost, stolen or damaged card or if you suspect someone has your PIN, you call Customer Service immediately at 1-800-997-3333 to “freeze” your card so that no one can use your benefits or report it and request a replacement card online at www.NJFamiliesFirst.com or using the ConnectEBT app. You can also visit your County Social Service Agency to request a replacement card.
You can check your benefits, change your PIN, report a lost, stolen or damaged card and see your transaction history online at www.NJFamiliesFirst.com or on the ConnectEBT app. You can set up your account either on the website or the app, using the same username and password for both.
- EBT Brochure (English) (PDF)
- EBT Brochure (Spanish)(PDF)
ConnectEBT App
The ConnectEBT App is the only officially approved app for WFNJ and SNAP recipients to:
- Check the balance on your Families First card
- Confirm you last deposit
- Change your PIN
- Review up to 12 months of transaction history
- Report your card as lost, stolen or damaged and request a replacement
The app is free and available in English and Spanish. You can download it in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Once installed, you will need to verify your identity and then you will be able to log in or create a new account. The user name and password is the same as your online account at NJFamiliesFirst.com, if you already have an account. If you create a new account on the app, your user name and password will also work at NJFamiliesFirst.com.
It is illegal to use the Families First Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card at any of these locations:
- Liquor Stores
- Casino/Gaming
- Adult Entertainment/Establishments Strip Clubs
Electronically Stolen Benefits
Households that participate in WFNJ or SNAP can request reimbursement for electronically stolen benefits.
Benefits may be electronically stolen in the following ways:
- Skimming means illegally attaching a device to a point-of-sale machine to steal EBT card information or your PIN.
- Cloning means copying stolen EBT card information to a new card.
- Scamming means convincing you to disclose your EBT card information, often by a fraudulent phone call or text message that pretends to be from an official government agency (commonly known as phishing.)
If you think your benefits were stolen electronically in any of the ways mentioned above, you must complete and return a Request for Replacement Form within 30 days of discovering your benefits were stolen and you must immediately re-PIN or replace your Families First Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card.
The form is available below for you to complete and submit online. You also can print it to mail or drop off in-person to your County Social Service Agency. Additionally, you can call your County Social Service Agency and complete the form over the phone.
- Request for Replacement of Electronically Stolen Benefits Form
- Solicitud de Reemplazo de los Beneficios Robados Electrónicamente
**** Be sure to immediately re-PIN or replace your Families First card immediately to protect your cash and food assistance benefits going forward.
Families First - EBT card
Your Families First card can also be used for New Jersey’s Families First Discovery Pass program. This program allows families individuals with a Families First card to receive free or discounted admission to arts and history organizations, venues and programs. For more information and a list of participating organizations, visit www.FamiliesFirstDiscoveryPass.com
ConnectEBP App
Download the ConnectEBT App in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to check your balance, confirm your last deposit, change your PIN and review up to 12 months of transaction history.
