Support Services under WorkFirst NJ

Child Care
You may need to find child care so that you can work, look for work or participate in another work activity. WorkFirst NJ (WFNJ) can provide you with child care services while you are in an approved work activity.

You will not be required to work until child care is found; however, while you're looking for services, you will use up time toward your five-year limit.

For more information about child care, call toll-free:
1-800-332-9227.
Or visit the child care website here.  

Work Expenses
Some jobs require special clothing or equipment, such as uniforms, tools and driver's licenses. WFNJ can provide up to $500 in vouchers over your five-year lifetime schedule for these items. Ask your caseworker about assistance to cover these work-related expenses.

Health care
If you have dependent children, your family may be eligible for health benefits -through a program called Medicaid - based on your income and situation. Medicaid is a separate program from WFNJ, but when you apply for WFNJ benefits, your caseworker will also determine your Medicaid eligibility. As your income changes, so will your Medicaid eligibility.

For more information, call the
Medicaid Hotline toll-free: 1-800-356-1561

Note: if you are a single adult or a couple without dependent children who receives WFNJ General Assistance (GA), you are eligible for medical coverage while you are receiving cash assistance.

Transportation
You may also be able to get assistance with travel costs while you are looking for a job, engaged in an approved work activity or taking your child to and from a child care facility (in conjunction with work or work-related activities). You may receive a voucher for daily or weekly transportation costs. If you take public transportation, you may receive free or half-price bus or train passes from your County Board of Social Services or welfare agency.

Food Stamps
You may be eligible to receive food stamp benefits to help pay for food for you and your family. The Food Stamp Program is separate from welfare; but your county Board of Social Services or welfare agency will determine whether you qualify for food stamps.

Call toll-free 1-800-687-9512 to find out more or apply online at www.njfoodstamps.com

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
If you need help to pay your heating bills or medically-necessary air conditioning -- even
if your heat is included in your rent -- you may be eligible for LIHEAP.

Call toll-free 1-800-510-3102 for more information, or visit
http://www.state.nj.us/dca/dcr/

Universal Service Fund (USF)
USF can lower the amount you pay for your natural gas and electric bills.

Call toll-free 1-866-240-1347 for more information or visit
http://www.state.nj.us/dca/dcr/

Note: You can apply for LIHEAP and USF with one application.

Emergency Assistance
WFNJ clients may receive Emergency Assistance (EA) in certain situations.These benefits include, but are not limited to: essential food, clothing, shelter and household furnishings; temporary rental assistance or back rent or mortgage payments; utility payments (such as heat, water, electric); transportation to search for housing; and moving expenses.

Eligible persons include those who are homeless or at immediate risk of becoming homeless, and those who have experienced a substantial loss of housing, food, clothing or household furnishings due to fire, flood or similar disaster.

Emergency Assistance is limited to 12 months. However, extensions may be granted under certain hardship conditions, with specific limitations.

Unemployment Benefits
If you have been working in a regular job for at least 20 weeks and lose that job - through no fault of your own - you may be eligible for state unemployment benefits. You can file a claim at your local Employment Services Office (listed in your phone book).

If you are still out of work when your unemployment benefits run out, you may be eligible for welfare - as long as you still have time left on your five-year limit.