New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

Eligibility Information

To be eligible for NJ SNAP, you must reside in New Jersey and be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident.

Student Status

To be considered a student for NJ SNAP, you must be all of the below:

• Age 18-49
• Be enrolled at an institute of higher education
• Be enrolled at least half-time according to the institution’s standards

If you are not considered a student by NJ SNAP’s standards, check this screening tool to see if you are still eligible for benefits.

If you are considered a student, you must also meet one of the following criteria.

You are:

• Enrolled in an approved Career and Technical Education Program at a NJ Community College
• Working at least 20 hours per week in a paid position (unpaid internships do not qualify)
• Participating in a federal work-study program during the school year
• Participating in an on-the-job training program
• Caring for a dependent child under the age of 6
• A single parent, enrolled full-time with a dependent child under the age of 12
• Unable to work due to a physical or mental disability
• Receiving Work First New Jersey Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (WFNJ/TANF) cash benefits.

 Still unsure if you’re eligible? Use this screening tool at NJHelps.org.

How Do I Apply?

• The easiest way is to apply online at org.
• If you’d like to apply in person, call your local office or the NJ SNAP hotline at (800)-697-9512.
• Complete the application process by attending a phone or in-person interview with your county’s Board of Social Services. Your interviewer will tell you what documents you must submit for verification.
• If you are approved, you should receive your Families First Card (New Jersey’s EBT card) within 30 days of submitting your application. If your situation is urgent you may receive an expedited review and get your Families First card within 7 days of applying.

NJ SNAP Application Assistance

For help with your application, call your county’s Board of Social Services or the NJ SNAP hotline at (800) 697-9512.

Where/How to Use

• NJ SNAP benefits are issued on a Families First Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that works like a debit card. This card can be used in most grocery stores and some participating farmers’ market. You can find participating grocery stores by clicking here.
• Benefits can be used online at Amazon, Walmart, ShopRite and The Fresh Grocer. Recipients seeking to order from Walmart, ShopRite or The Fresh Grocer should check with their local stores about online SNAP availability. Benefits cannot be used to pay for delivery or service fees. Be sure to confirm an online store delivers to your home address before ordering.
• You can use your EBT card to purchase food at any grocery store or farmers’ market that accepts SNAP. Use the map on the FreshEBT app to find grocery stores and farmers markets near you.

This page was last updated on October 19, 2020.