New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

The New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known as NJ SNAP, can provide supplemental income for purchasing food for low-income households. An eligible person or family receives an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which is used like any other debit card at the grocery store. The card uses money from a SNAP account set up for the eligible person or family to pay for food items.

                           

Quick Facts

Location
New Jersey
Administering Program Name
New Jersey Department of Human Services’ Division of Family Development

Eligibility Information

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

In December 2020, Congress passed legislation that temporarily changes SNAP eligibility requirements for college students. College students enrolled at least half-time and who meet income and eligibility requirements can now qualify for SNAP. If you think you might qualify for SNAP, call the NJ SNAP Hotline at (800)-697-9512 to learn more.

Use the screening tool at NJHelps.org to see if you meet SNAP income requirements.

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 February 27, 2021.

Quick Facts

Location
New Jersey
Administering Program Name
New Jersey Department of Human Services’ Division of Family Development

Advocacy Organizations

Outreach Organizations
  • Community Food Bank of New Jersey - If you would like to be screened for benefits in Atlantic, Bergen, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, and Union counties please call (908) 838-4831.

Resources & Contacts