Staying on SNAP

Once you have been approved for SNAP there are some things you need to do to stay on SNAP.  Your SNAP case was granted for a limited amount of time, which we call a certification period.  Most people are certified for either 12 or 24 months. You must complete an Interim Reporting Form (IRF) halfway through your certification period if you want to continue benefits. Two months before your certification period expires, you will be sent a letter that it is time to recertify. You will need to complete a recertification if you want to continue to receive SNAP benefits.

Interim Reporting Form (IRF)

An IRF is sent to the household at the four-month or ten-month mark, depending on whether your certification period is for 12 months or 24 months. The IRF comes with a return envelope provided or you can drop off at your County Social Service Agency.

You can view a sample IRF form here.

Required reportable IRF changes:

  • A change of gross unearned income of more than $125.00.
  • A change in gross earned income of more than $125.00.
  • A change in residence and the resulting change in shelter cost.
  • A change in the members of your SNAP household.
  • A change in child support payments of more than $50.
  • Lottery or gambling winnings of $4,250 or more.

Recertification

Households must complete the recertification process at the end of the certification period in order to continue receiving SNAP benefits. 

You will receive a Notice of Expiration letter in the mail from your County Social Service Agency (CSSA) with a scheduled interview appointment. After the interview, you will receive a packet of information including a recertification application and list of documents you will need to submit. You must return the information to your CSSA by the date provided on the letter in the packet. You can contact your CSSA if you need help completing your recertification.

Reporting a Change Outside of IRF/Recertification Period

If your household experiences certain changes during your SNAP eligibility period, you are may be required to report these changes within 10 days of the date the change becomes known to the household. Your County Social Service Agency will let you know what you need to report and when.

Changes you may need to report include:

  • New employment within 10 days of the date that they receive their first pay
  • Changes in the source or amount of unearned income of $125.00 or more.
  • Changes in the amount of earned income of more than $125.00.
  • Changes in household composition.
  • Changes in residence and the resulting change in shelter costs.
  • Changes in the amount of legally obligated child support received.

To report any of these changes, contact your County Social Service Agency.

Work Requirements

SNAP participants between the ages of 16 through 59 who are not specifically exempted by law are subject to work requirements as a condition of eligibility. SNAP recipients between the ages of 18 and 52 who do not reside with a child under 18, and who are physically and mentally fit for work are subject to Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) work rules and time limits. There are some exceptions to the ABAWD work rules. Learn more about the ABAWD work exceptions here. 

Individuals subject to the ABAWD Time Limit Rules can only receive SNAP benefits for 3 months in a 3-year period unless they are working or in an allowable activity for at least 80 hours a month.

As a SNAP participant, you may be required to register for work with the NJ One-Stop Career Center. Registering for work means that when you apply for SNAP, you agree to the following work requirements:

  • Respond to requests from the County Social Service Agency regarding employment status and availability for work;
  • Accept suitable employment, if offered;
  • Do not voluntarily quit a job of 30 or more hours a week or reduce your work hours to less than 30 hours per week.

If you are required to register for work, you may be referred to your local NJ One-Stop Career Center to learn more about the services offered through the SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) program.

The SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) program offers a wide range of opportunities to help you find training, skills, and work that’s right for you. E&T is a completely voluntary program.  There are no penalties if you choose not to participate, or if you do participate and later decide to stop.  E&T participants are eligible to receive help with expenses incurred while participating in the program, such as transportation, dependent care, or other costs necessary for participating, such as uniforms, books or supplies. E&T services are a combined effort between the Department of Human Services (DHS), the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL), and community partnerships.