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Grants for Single Mothers in New Jersey

New Jersey Single Mother’s Guide to Benefits, Grants, and Support Programs (2025)

Last updated: August 2025

If You Need Help Today

If you’re facing an immediate crisis, here are three steps you can take right now:


  1. Call 2-1-1 – Free 24/7 help finding emergency assistance for housing, food, utilities, and more
  2. Apply for Emergency SNAP at MyNJHelps – you can get benefits within 7 days
  3. Contact your utility company if facing shut-off – mention you’re applying for energy assistance to avoid disconnection

Quick Summary for Busy Moms

New Jersey offers comprehensive assistance for single mothers through 15+ major programs. Emergency help available within 1-7 days. Key programs include food assistance for families earning under $4,108/month, cash assistance up to $728/month, and emergency housing support.

Top Programs by Urgency:

  • Emergency Food: SNAP benefits with NJ minimum of $95/month
  • Emergency Cash: Work First NJ (WFNJ) provides monthly cash assistance
  • Emergency Housing: Rental assistance and emergency shelter programs
  • Healthcare: NJ FamilyCare covers children under 19 regardless of immigration status
  • Utilities: LIHEAP provides $118-$1,278 annually for energy bills

Main Points

According to the 2025 data, New Jersey’s median income is $101,050, but 9.7% of residents remain below the Federal Poverty Level, highlighting the financial struggles many families face. Even with New Jersey’s strong economy, high living costs make it difficult for single mothers to stay financially stable.

What you need to know:

  • Real help exists – The Division of Family Development supervises four major programs supporting New Jersey families
  • Emergency help is available – You can get food assistance within days and utility help within weeks
  • Healthcare is comprehensive – Children 18 and under may be eligible for NJ FamilyCare if family income is at or below 355% of Federal Poverty Level
  • The system is complex – But this guide breaks it down step by step
  • Multiple income sources help – Combining programs with tax credits provides substantial support

Reality Check: New Jersey uses MyNJHelps as a single application portal for food assistance, cash aid, and healthcare coverage, which simplifies the process, but some programs still have waiting lists or strict requirements.

Emergency Cash and Basic Needs

When you need help paying bills or buying food, these programs can provide immediate relief.

Work First New Jersey (WFNJ) – Cash Assistance

New Jersey’s cash assistance program is called Work First New Jersey (WFNJ). It provides monthly cash, child care, job search and readiness, and short-term housing support for eligible New Jersey residents. This is New Jersey’s version of the federal TANF program.

What WFNJ provides:

  • Monthly cash payments for basic needs
  • Child care assistance for parents working, in school, or job training
  • Job search and readiness training
  • Short-term housing support

Who qualifies:

  • Families with children under 18
  • Must be U.S. citizens or qualified immigrants
  • Must meet income and asset limits
  • Recipients are required to participate in a work activity unless otherwise deferred

Important time limits: Benefits can only be received for a maximum of 60 months lifetime limit, similar to federal TANF rules.

How to apply:

  • Online: MyNJHelps
  • Phone: Contact your local County Board of Social Services
  • In person: Visit your local welfare office

Processing time: Applications are typically processed within 45 days.

Reality Check: New Jersey’s benefit levels vary by county and family circumstances. Benefits are designed to supplement other income sources, not provide complete support.

SNAP (Food Assistance)

New Jersey’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance to families with low incomes to help them buy groceries through a benefits card accepted in most food retail stores and some farmers markets.

Income limits for 2025: Most families with gross income up to 185% of the federal poverty level or about $3,981 a month for a family of three, qualify for SNAP benefits.

Family Size Monthly Income Limit (185% FPL)
1 person $2,430
2 people $3,288
3 people $4,144
4 people $5,000

New Jersey advantage: New Jersey has a minimum monthly SNAP benefit amount of $95. If you’re approved for less than $95, New Jersey will add a supplemental payment so your total equals $95.

Maximum benefits for 2025: Based on federal guidelines, maximum SNAP benefit for a family of three is $768 per month.

How to apply:

  • Online: MyNJHelps
  • Phone: (855) 432-7587
  • You can screen for SNAP in five minutes to find out if you may be eligible

Processing time: Emergency SNAP can provide benefits within 1-3 days for qualifying emergencies.

Work requirements: SNAP recipients between ages 18-54 without children under 18 are subject to work requirements and time limits unless exempted.

LIHEAP (Utility Assistance)

New Jersey LIHEAP is designed to help very low-income households with their utility bills — helping them stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Benefit amounts for 2025: LIHEAP FY 2025 Benefit: $118 minimum, $1,278 maximum for heating; $118 minimum, $1,278 maximum for cooling; $800 maximum for winter crisis.

Income limits: Gross income not exceeding 60% of the State Median Income (SMI), about $6,448 per month for a family of three.

Household Size Monthly Income Limit (60% SMI)
1 person $4,308
2 people $5,639
3 people $6,969
4 people $8,300

Application period: October 1 – June 30 annually.

How to apply:

  • Online: DCAid Service Portal
  • Phone: Call your local Community Action Agency
  • Download and mail application

Priority consideration: Households with elderly or disabled members or a young child under age 5 are given priority consideration.

Reality Check: Funds for this benefit can run out, and benefits are often first-come, first-serve. The sooner you apply, the more likely you are to get LIHEAP benefits.

Healthcare for You and Your Kids

New Jersey has expanded healthcare coverage to ensure more single mothers and children can access comprehensive health services.

NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid)

NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid is New Jersey’s public health care coverage program. It covers just about every health care need.

Who qualifies:

  • Children 18 and younger may be eligible if family income is at or below 355% of Federal Poverty Level
  • Parents may be eligible if income is at or below 138% of Federal Poverty Level
  • Pregnant women may be eligible if income is at or below 205% of Federal Poverty Level

Major expansion: As of January 1, 2023, children under 19 may now apply for NJ FamilyCare regardless of their immigration status.

Income limits for families (138% FPL):

Family Size Monthly Income Limit Annual Income Limit
1 person $1,806 $21,672
2 people $2,440 $29,280
3 people $3,074 $36,888
4 people $3,708 $44,496

Coverage includes:

  • Doctor visits and specialist care
  • Emergency and hospital services
  • Prescription medications
  • Mental health and substance abuse treatment
  • Preventive care including screenings
  • Dental and vision services for children

How to apply:

Processing time: Members must renew eligibility every twelve months to maintain coverage.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children is a nutrition program that provides free baby formula and nutritional food items to low-income mothers and their babies.

Who qualifies:

  • Pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum women
  • Children under age 5
  • Low-income parents of children under age 5 who are at nutritional risk and below 185% of FPL

Automatic qualification if you receive:

  • Medicaid, Temporary Assistance, or Food Assistance

Benefits include:

  • Monthly food packages with nutritious foods
  • Nutrition education and counseling
  • Breastfeeding support
  • Farmers’ Market Checks from June through November – mothers and children 2-5 years old can receive $25 per month

How to apply:

  • Call your local WIC agency or WIC clinic office
  • Must apply in person – phone applications not available
  • Find local offices through state WIC directory

Child Care Help While You Work or Go to School

Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)

New Jersey’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) helps income-eligible parents who are working, in school or in job training to pay a portion of their child care.

Who qualifies:

  • Parent works 30+ hours per week, attends school full time (12+ credit hours), or job training (at least 20 hours per week)
  • Children are 13 or younger, or less than 19 if they have a disability
  • A family is considered “income eligible” when their gross monthly income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level at initial application

Income limits:

  • Initial eligibility: 200% of Federal Poverty Level
  • After initial approval the income limit increases to 250% of the federal poverty level
  • Household meets income limits — $49,720/year max for a family of three (for initial eligibility)

Requirements:

  • U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen
  • Required to be employed full time for a minimum of 30 hours per week or enrolled in a school/training program for a minimum of 20 hours per week

How to apply:

  • Contact your local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency
  • Apply through county social services

Reality Check: Child care assistance has waiting lists in many areas. Apply as early as possible, even before starting work or school.

Food Help Beyond SNAP

School Meal Programs

NSLP serves healthy, well-balanced, reduced-price or free meals to children in school. The School Breakfast Program provides free or low-cost breakfast to eligible students.

How to qualify:

  • Household income must fall at or below federal income eligibility guidelines
  • Automatic qualification if receiving SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid

How to apply:

  • Apply online or contact your child’s school to enroll

Summer Food Service Program

New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) serves free, nutritious meals to children 18 or younger during summer break.

Local Food Pantries and Emergency Food

Many community organizations provide emergency food assistance:

  • Contact 2-1-1 for local food pantries
  • Churches and faith-based organizations
  • Community action agencies
  • Local nonprofit organizations

Housing Help That Works

Finding safe, affordable housing is challenging for single mothers. Here are programs that can help.

State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP)

SRAP is an initiative of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs that helps low-income renters pay for safe housing. The program selects 4,000 eligible households each year to receive rental assistance through a lottery system.

How it works:

  • Annual lottery system for selection
  • Provides ongoing rental assistance
  • Helps with safe, affordable housing

How to apply:

  • Complete and submit an SRAP pre-application online
  • Applications typically open once per year
  • Monitor NJ Department of Community Affairs website for announcements

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

Federal program helping very low-income families afford decent, safe housing.

How it works:

  • You find your own rental unit
  • Program pays portion of rent directly to landlord
  • You pay remainder based on income

Income requirements:

  • Generally must be below 50% of area median income
  • Priority for families below 30% of area median income

How to apply:

  • Contact local Public Housing Authority
  • Many authorities have waiting lists
  • Apply to multiple authorities if eligible

Reality Check: Waiting lists can be several years long. Apply as soon as possible.

Emergency Rental Assistance

Various programs help if you’re behind on rent or facing eviction:

  • Contact local Community Action agencies
  • Call 2-1-1 for emergency rental programs
  • Churches and nonprofits often have emergency funds

Real Educational Grants for Single Mothers

These are actual grant programs specifically designed to help single mothers pursue education and career advancement.

New Jersey Tuition Aid Grant (TAG)

The Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) is a need-based grant with annual awards of up to $14,404 for 2024-25. This is New Jersey’s largest state grant program.

Who qualifies:

  • New Jersey residents
  • Attending eligible New Jersey colleges and universities
  • Demonstrate financial need through FAFSA

Award amounts:

  • Your actual award amount will be based on your family income, the type of college or university you attend, the school you are attending, and whether you are attending part or full-time
  • Up to $14,404 annually
  • No repayment required

How to apply:

  • Complete FAFSA by March 1st priority deadline
  • Contact HESAA Customer Care Center at 609-584-4480
  • Apply to participating New Jersey institutions

Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG)

The Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) helps cover remaining tuition and fees students who attend community colleges in New Jersey may owe after other financial aid is considered.

Who qualifies:

  • New Jersey residents who have adjusted gross incomes of less than $100,000
  • Attending New Jersey community colleges
  • Must complete FAFSA

NJ STARS Program

The New Jersey Student Tuition Assistance Reward Scholarship (NJ STARS) offers free tuition at any community college in New Jersey for students who graduated in the top 15% of their class.

Requirements:

  • Graduated in top 15% of high school class
  • New Jersey resident
  • Attending New Jersey community college

Federal Education Grants

Pell Grant:

  • Up to $7,395 annually for 2024-25
  • Based on financial need
  • No repayment required
  • Apply through FAFSA

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG):

  • Additional need-based grant
  • $100-$4,000 annually
  • Available at participating schools

Tax Credits and Federal Benefits

These programs provide significant annual income that many single mothers miss.

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

Federal EITC for 2025 tax year:

  • Up to $8,046 for families with 3+ children
  • Up to $6,960 for families with 2 children
  • Up to $4,213 for families with 1 child

Income limits for single filers:

  • 1 child: $47,915
  • 2 children: $53,057
  • 3+ children: $59,899

Child Tax Credit

  • Up to $2,000 per child under 17
  • Partially refundable (up to $1,700 per child)
  • Phases out for higher incomes

Child and Dependent Care Credit

  • 20-35% of child care costs
  • Up to $3,000 for one child, $6,000 for two or more
  • Must have paid for care to work or look for work

How to claim these credits:

  • File tax return even if you don’t owe taxes
  • Use free tax preparation services (VITA sites)
  • Keep receipts for child care expenses

Support for All Types of Single Parent Families

Single Fathers

All programs in this guide also serve single fathers raising children alone:

  • SNAP, WFNJ, and NJ FamilyCare have same eligibility
  • Child support services help collect from other parent
  • Housing and child care assistance available
  • Educational grants and tax credits apply

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Kinship care considerations:

  • May qualify for TANF even if grandparent receives Social Security
  • Special custody and legal assistance available
  • Respite care and support groups
  • Contact NJ Division of Children and Families for kinship support

LGBTQ+ Single Parents

All New Jersey state programs serve LGBTQ+ parents without discrimination:

  • Same-sex couples eligible for all family programs
  • Anti-discrimination protections in state programs
  • Support organizations: Garden State Equality (973) 226-4782

Additional resources:

  • New Jersey Pride centers in major cities
  • LGBTQ+ family support groups
  • Legal assistance for family issues

Native American Families

Tribal considerations:

  • Some tribal nations may have additional assistance programs
  • Indian Health Service healthcare available to enrolled members
  • Contact tribal government for specific programs
  • Still eligible for all state programs

Rural New Jersey Families

Additional challenges:

  • Limited public transportation
  • Fewer service providers nearby
  • Longer travel to offices

Rural-specific resources:

  • Mobile outreach services
  • Telehealth covered by NJ FamilyCare
  • 2-1-1 especially important for finding local resources

Resources by Region

Northern New Jersey

Major counties: Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, Warren

Key resources:

  • County welfare offices in each county
  • Community action agencies
  • Local food pantries and shelters
  • Public transportation access for appointments

Central New Jersey

Major counties: Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Somerset, Union

Key resources:

  • Middlesex County Board of Social Services provides comprehensive TANF services
  • University and college resources
  • Suburban and urban service mix

Southern New Jersey

Major counties: Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Ocean, Salem

Key resources:

  • Atlantic County Office Building, 1333 Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic City
  • Rural outreach programs
  • Shore area seasonal employment considerations

Spanish Language and Accessibility Resources

En Español (In Spanish)

Government services in Spanish:

  • MyNJHelps website available in Spanish
  • Translation service available – call 1-800-941-4647 and interpretation will be provided
  • Spanish-language applications available
  • Bilingual staff at many offices

How to get help in Spanish:

  • Request interpreter when scheduling appointments
  • Whatever your native language is, they will arrange to have a third person on the line who can speak your language
  • All major documents available in Spanish

Disability Accommodations

Available accommodations:

  • TTY/TDD services for all programs
  • Sign language interpreters (request in advance)
  • Documents in alternative formats
  • Accessible office locations
  • Extended time for appointments

How to request:

  • Call program directly and request accommodation
  • No cost for accommodations
  • ADA coordinators available if needed

How to Apply: Your 4-Week Action Plan

Week 1: Emergency Needs

Day 1-2:

  1. Apply for emergency SNAP at MyNJHelps
  2. Call 2-1-1 for immediate crisis resources
  3. Contact utility companies if behind on bills

Day 3-7: 4. Apply for NJ FamilyCare healthcare 5. Gather required documents (see list below) 6. Apply for WIC if you have children under 5

Week 2: Cash and Housing Support

Day 8-14:

  1. Apply for WFNJ cash assistance through MyNJHelps
  2. Apply for LIHEAP utility assistance
  3. Contact child support services if applicable
  4. Apply for child care assistance if working/in school

Week 3: Housing and Legal

Day 15-21:

  1. Apply for Section 8 with local housing authority
  2. Research SRAP rental assistance program
  3. Contact legal aid if needed: NJ Legal Services
  4. File taxes for EITC and Child Tax Credits

Week 4: Education and Long-term Planning

Day 22-28:

  1. Complete FAFSA for educational grants
  2. Research community college programs
  3. Follow up on all pending applications
  4. Create plan for managing benefits and requirements

Documents You Need

Personal identification:

  • Valid photo ID or driver’s license
  • Social Security cards for all family members
  • Birth certificates for all children
  • Immigration documents (if applicable)

Income and employment:

  • Pay stubs from last 30 days
  • Unemployment benefits statements
  • Child support payment records
  • Self-employment records

Housing and expenses:

  • Current lease or mortgage statement
  • Rent receipts
  • Utility bills (gas, electric, water)
  • Child care payment receipts

Financial information:

  • Bank statements for last 3 months
  • Vehicle registration
  • Medical bills
  • Court orders (custody, support)

What to Do When You’re Denied

Don’t give up! Many denials can be resolved.

Common Denial Reasons

  • Incomplete application or missing documents
  • Income calculation errors
  • Failed to attend required interview
  • Didn’t meet residency requirements

Your Appeal Rights

  • 30-day deadline: Request appeal within 30 days of denial
  • Fair hearing: Present your case to impartial hearing officer
  • Legal representation: Bring advocate or attorney
  • Continued benefits: May keep current benefits during appeal

Getting Help with Appeals

Free legal assistance:

  • NJ Legal Services: (732) 572-9100
  • Legal Aid societies in each county
  • Community Legal Services

Reapplying After Denial

  • Gather any missing documents
  • Correct income reporting errors
  • Get help with application completion
  • Apply to multiple programs if eligible

Common Questions Single Mothers Ask (FAQs)

Q: Can I get help if I’m working? A: Yes! Most programs allow working families:

  • SNAP: Up to 185% of poverty level ($4,144/month for family of 3)
  • NJ FamilyCare: Up to 138% of poverty level for parents
  • LIHEAP: Up to 60% of state median income
  • Child care assistance: Up to 250% of poverty level (continuing eligibility)

Q: What if I have limited English? A: Language help is available:

  • All state programs provide free interpreters
  • MyNJHelps website available in Spanish
  • Request interpreter when scheduling appointments
  • Documents available in multiple languages

Q: How long do applications take? A: Processing times vary:

  • Emergency SNAP: 1-3 days
  • Regular SNAP: Up to 30 days
  • WFNJ: Up to 45 days
  • NJ FamilyCare: Usually 30 days or less
  • Housing vouchers: Often years due to waiting lists

Q: Can I apply for multiple programs? A: Yes! MyNJHelps allows you to apply for SNAP, cash assistance, and healthcare with one application. You can also apply for other programs separately.

Q: What if I’m denied? A: You have appeal rights:

  • Request appeal within 30 days of denial
  • Common reasons include missing documents or calculation errors
  • Free legal help available through NJ Legal Services
  • Many denials are successfully overturned

Q: Do I have to pay anything back? A: Most programs don’t require repayment:

  • Never repay: SNAP, NJ FamilyCare, WIC, LIHEAP, tax credits
  • Educational grants: May have residency requirements after graduation
  • Overpayments: Must repay if you received too much due to unreported changes

Q: What if I’m undocumented? A: Some programs are available:

  • Children under 19 can get NJ FamilyCare regardless of immigration status
  • Emergency Medicaid for emergency medical care
  • Food pantries and emergency assistance don’t require documentation
  • Call 2-1-1 for guidance on available resources

Q: What about rural areas of New Jersey? A: Rural residents have options:

  • All programs serve rural areas
  • Some agencies provide mobile services
  • Telehealth covered by NJ FamilyCare
  • 2-1-1 important for finding local resources
  • May need to travel to county offices for some services

Q: How do I get help filling out applications? A: Free help available:

  • County welfare office staff provide assistance
  • 2-1-1 can connect you with local navigators
  • Community action agencies help with applications
  • Legal aid organizations provide assistance

Q: What if I move within New Jersey? A: Benefits can transfer:

  • Contact new county office immediately
  • If you move, USF benefits are stopped until you contact your new utility company
  • Some programs may require new applications
  • Keep all documentation when moving

Warning Signs and Red Flags

Scams to Avoid

Grant scams:

  • Never pay fees for “guaranteed benefits”
  • Legitimate programs are free to apply
  • Government agencies don’t call asking for personal information
  • Report scams to NJ Attorney General: (973) 504-6200

Benefits card scams:

  • Protect your SNAP and WFNJ benefits with EBT card Lock/Unlock feature
  • Never give card information over phone
  • DHS will never call asking for your EBT information

Program Realities

Time limits:

  • WFNJ has 60-month lifetime limit
  • Most programs require periodic renewals
  • Work requirements for able-bodied adults
  • Plan for transition strategies

Waiting lists:

  • Housing assistance often has multi-year waits
  • Child care assistance may have waiting lists
  • Apply early and to multiple programs
  • Use interim services while waiting

Benefit amounts are modest:

  • Programs supplement, don’t replace, income
  • Combining multiple programs provides better support
  • Benefits designed to encourage work and self-sufficiency

Emergency Resources and Crisis Numbers

Immediate Crisis Help

Food emergency:

  • 2-1-1: Find local food pantries
  • Emergency SNAP: Apply at MyNJHelps
  • Local food banks and soup kitchens

Housing emergency:

  • 2-1-1: Emergency shelter information
  • Local homeless shelters
  • County emergency assistance programs

Utility shut-off:

  • Contact utility company immediately
  • Apply for LIHEAP emergency assistance
  • Call 2-1-1 for emergency utility programs

Medical emergency:

  • 911: Life-threatening emergencies
  • Emergency rooms must treat regardless of ability to pay
  • Emergency Medicaid available for emergency medical conditions

Crisis and Mental Health Support

Crisis intervention:

  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
  • NJ Mental Health Cares: 1-866-202-4357

Domestic violence:

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
  • NJ Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-572-7233
  • Local domestic violence shelters through 2-1-1

Child abuse reporting:

  • NJ Child Abuse Hotline: 1-877-NJ-ABUSE (652-2873)
  • 24/7 reporting available
  • Anonymous reporting allowed

Legal Emergencies

Eviction and housing:

  • NJ Legal Services: (732) 572-9100
  • County legal aid societies
  • Tenant rights organizations

Family law and custody:

  • NJ Legal Services family law division
  • Court self-help centers
  • Domestic violence legal advocacy

Resources and Important Phone Numbers

Statewide Resources

Primary contact numbers:

  • 2-1-1: Information and referral service (24/7)
  • MyNJHelps: (855) 432-7587 – Apply for benefits
  • NJ FamilyCare: 1-800-701-0710 (TTY: 711)
  • Child Support Services: 1-877-NJKIDS1 (655-4371)

Application and benefits:

  • SNAP/WFNJ/Medicaid: MyNJHelps.gov
  • Energy assistance: DCAid Portal
  • WIC services: Contact local WIC office
  • Child care assistance: Contact local CCR&R agency

Emergency Numbers

Immediate crisis:

  • Emergency services: 911
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • Suicide Prevention: 988
  • Domestic Violence: 1-800-572-7233

Housing and utilities:

  • Emergency shelter: 2-1-1
  • Utility assistance: 1-866-240-1347
  • Rental assistance: Contact county social services

Legal and Advocacy Help

Free legal assistance:

  • NJ Legal Services: (732) 572-9100
  • Legal Aid of New Jersey: 1-888-LSNJLAW
  • Volunteer Lawyers for Justice: (973) 623-1000

Benefits advocacy:

  • Disability Rights New Jersey: (609) 292-9742
  • NJ Citizen Action: (973) 643-8800

Educational Resources

College and financial aid:

  • HESAA (Higher Education Student Assistance Authority): (609) 584-4480
  • Federal Student Aid: 1-800-433-3243
  • FAFSA help: studentaid.gov

Adult education:

  • NJ Department of Education: (609) 292-4469
  • Community college locations: Contact local campus
  • GED testing: Contact local community college

Specialized Services

Tax assistance:

  • IRS VITA Program: 1-800-906-9887
  • NJ Division of Taxation: (609) 292-6400

Transportation:

  • NJ Transit: (973) 275-5555
  • County transportation: Contact county offices
  • Medical transportation: Through NJ FamilyCare

Useful Websites

Government portals:

Resource finders:

County Boards of Social Services:

Bergen County: (201) 368-4200 Essex County: (973) 395-8800
Hudson County: (201) 420-3000 Middlesex County: (732) 745-3500 Monmouth County: (732) 431-7000 Morris County: (973) 326-7800 Passaic County: (973) 569-3300 Union County: (908) 965-2700

Atlantic County: (609) 348-3001 Burlington County: (609) 261-1000 Camden County: (856) 225-8800 Cumberland County: (856) 453-2220 Gloucester County: (856) 582-3200 Ocean County: (732) 929-2900 Salem County: (856) 935-7510

Disclaimer

Important Notice About Information Currency

Program details, eligibility requirements, and benefit amounts change frequently due to federal and state policy updates, funding changes, and legislative action. All information in this guide was compiled and verified using official government sources as of August 2025, but policies may have changed since publication.

Verification Requirements:

  • Always verify current information directly with the relevant agency before making decisions
  • Contact program offices for the most up-to-date eligibility requirements and benefit amounts
  • Check official websites for any recent policy changes or updates

Limitations:

  • This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal, financial, or benefits counseling advice
  • Individual circumstances vary and may affect program eligibility
  • Processing times and benefit amounts may differ from those listed
  • Some programs may have waiting lists or limited funding not reflected in this guide

Phone numbers and websites:

  • All phone numbers and websites were verified as of August 2025
  • Contact information may change – use 2-1-1 if listed numbers don’t work
  • Government websites are the most reliable source for current information

Application processes:

  • Requirements and procedures may vary by county within New Jersey
  • Always follow current application instructions provided by the administering agency
  • Seek assistance from qualified professionals for complex situations

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

The ASingleMother.org team has been researching and writing comprehensive benefits guides for single mothers across all 50 states since 2020. Our editorial team regularly updates these guides by reviewing official government sources, contacting state agencies, and incorporating feedback from hundreds of single mothers who have used these programs.

This New Jersey guide represents over 5 years of experience helping single mothers navigate the benefits system. We verify information with official sources including New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Family Development, USDA, HHS, and local nonprofits to ensure accuracy.

Information compiled from official New Jersey Department of Human Services, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, USDA, HHS, and Higher Education Student Assistance Authority sources. Last verified: August 2025.

The ASingleMother.org editorial team welcomes feedback on this guide. If you find outdated information or discover new resources, please contact us at info@asinglemother.org so we can help other single mothers with accurate, current information.

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