Work First New Jersey Welfare Services

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides subsidies to help low-income families and individuals paying for home heating costs or heating bills associated with rent. The Home Energy Assistance Hotline is 1-800-510-3102. The Board of Public Utilities also has a list of energy assistance programs.

NJ FamilyCare provides information that will help you determine whether you qualify for low-cost or no-cost health insurance. You can apply online or view frequently asked questions.

Get Covered New Jersey is the state’s official health insurance marketplace. It is where individuals and families can easily shop for and buy health coverage, and the only place to receive financial help. You can use GetCoveredNJ to compare health plans and calculate costs, and to choose the plan that works best for you and your family. It is the only place you will be able to apply for financial help to lower your monthly insurance premium and out-of-pocket costs. It can also find if you might qualify for free or low-cost health insurance through New Jersey’s publicly funded health insurance program, NJ FamilyCare.

The Department of Labor and Workforce Development's Division of Unemployment Insurance has a list of additional resources and support.

Here is a few of the items in the list:

DCAID: Take a quick two-minute survey to determine if you are eligible for New Jersey assistance programs.

APPLY FOR RENTAL ASSISTANCE: The New Jersey COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program Phase II (CVERAP-II) is a rental assistance program designed to provide relief to low- and moderate-income households residing in the State of New Jersey that are unable to pay rent and utilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

RENTERS, ARE YOU PROTECTED? EVICTION PROTECTIONS ARE AVAILABLE: Depending on your household's income level and specific circumstances, you may also be eligible for protection from eviction or removal through December 31, 2021, and other assistance and services. To take advantage of these protections, you must complete an Income Self-Certification Form to certify your income.

ENERGY ASSISTANCE: The Universal Service Fund (USF) helps make energy bills more affordable for low-income customers. If you are eligible, USF can lower the amount you have to pay for natural gas and electricity.

EMERGENCY HOUSING ASSISTANCE: Contact one of our partnering community-based agencies in your county.

FORECLOSURE AND HOUSING COUNSELING SERVICES: Renters, who may be concerned with eviction, and homeowners who need counseling to help prevent possible foreclosure, can contact participating housing counselors in each county. Counseling is available now and can be provided remotely.

CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH/ADDICTION TREATMENT AND SUPPORT can be found through the Children’s System of Care, NJ’s public  behavioral health system for youth.

MENTAL HEALTH & EMOTIONAL SUPPORT: Call 866-202-HELP or 973-870-0677 for ASL videophone

ADDICTION TREATMENT AND RECOVERY: Call 844-REACHNJ

PREGNANT OR HAVE CHILDREN UP TO AGE 5? You may be eligible for assistance, including nutrition and food help. Dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211 and ask for the Help Me Grow Central Intake Hub in your county.

WOMEN INFANTS AND CHILDREN (WIC) NUTRITION PROGRAM

AFFORDING GROCERIES: Call 1-800-687-9512. Under changes to a federal rule, weekly unemployment benefits do count as income for SNAP eligibility, however, the additional weekly $300 payments which expired September 4, 2021, called Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), did not count as income. Learn more here.

INCOME ASSISTANCE FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES

CHILD CARE: Call 1-800-332-9227

HEAD START: Promotes school readiness of infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children. 

FAMILY SUCCESS CENTERS: Help families with the essentials through in-person and virtual support programs, including safe delivery of basic necessities, social services referral, health services referral, job readiness and life skills training.

BENEFITS FOR HEALTH ISSUES, PREGNANCY, BONDING, AND CAREGIVING: Depending on the amount of unemployment benefits you’ve already collected, you may be eligible for Disability or Family Leave During Unemployment benefits.

EARLY INTERVENTION: The first three years of life are important developmental years in maximizing a child's future potential. If you are concerned that an infant or toddler may be experiencing developmental delays, contact Early Intervention System at 888-653-4463. The call is toll-free for New Jersey residents. 

EMPLOYMENT & JOB TRAINING: View job openings, take no-cost credentialed online courses, receive one-to-one support.

DISPLACED HOMEMAKER PROGRAMS: Short-term education and training to help individuals who were unpaid homemakers and who are now entering or reentering the paid workforce to become economically self-sufficient.

WORKPLACE RIGHTS: All NJ workers have protections under the law.

The NJ SNAP program under the Department of Human Services has a list of Food & Nutrition Resources.