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.
NJ SNAP
You may be eligible to receive NJ SNAP benefits to help pay for food for you and your family. The NJ SNAP Program is separate from welfare; but your county Board of Social Services or welfare agency will determine whether you qualify.
To find out more information call 1-800-687-9515 or to apply online click here
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
NJ LIHEAP
Universal Service Fund (USF)
USF can help make energy bills more affordable to low-income new Jersey residents. If you are eligible, USF can lower the amount you have to pay for natural gas and electric bills.
Call toll-free 1-866-240-1347 for more information or visit
the Universal Service Fund website.
NOTE: If you are receiving Food Stamps, you may be considered automatically for the LIHEAP and USF programs. But if you are getting Food Stamps and are not receiving the energy assistance. Contact your case manager, visit the website at www. state.nj.us/dca/dcr/ or call the LIHEAP and USF programs directly toll-free at 1-800-510-3102.
Families First card
WFNJ uses a "Families First" debit card for you to access cash assistance and Food Stamp benefits. The card can be used to withdraw cash benefits from Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) or to purchase food at grocery stores.
Click here for more information.
Updated 04/01/16
