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housing assistance in new jersey

Housing Assistance for Single Mothers in New Jersey

Complete Housing Assistance Guide for Single Mothers in New Jersey

Last updated: August 2025

Information verified with current program data as of August 12, 2025


Main Points

If You Need Help Today

Facing eviction or homeless? Call 2-1-1 immediately for emergency assistance. Available 24/7 in English and Spanish.

Can’t pay utilities? Apply for Universal Service Fund (USF) assistance by August 15, 2025 for monthly bill credits up to $180.

Need rent help now? Check county emergency rental assistance programs – many counties still have funding available through COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Phase II.

In danger? New Jersey Coalition Against Domestic Violence: (609) 584-8107 or National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-7233

Emergency Housing Assistance

COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program Phase II

The COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program Phase II (CVERAP Phase II) provides funding for back rent and temporary rental support to households impacted by the pandemic. This program is administered at the county level with varying application deadlines and funding availability.

What it covers:

  • Up to 18 months of past-due rent
  • Up to 18 months of future rent assistance
  • Late fees and court costs related to eviction proceedings
  • Utility payments including electric, gas, water, sewer, trash, and internet service

Income requirements: Household income must be at or below 80% of Area Median Income. Priority given to households earning 50% or less of AMI.

How to apply: Contact your county administrator directly – each county manages its own application process and deadlines.

Reality check: Funding varies significantly by county. Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and other high-demand counties may have waiting lists or closed applications, while rural counties may still have funding available. Apply immediately if you’re facing eviction.

Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP)

The Homelessness Prevention Program is administered by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs to prevent families and individuals from becoming homeless.

Services provided:

  • Emergency rental assistance (typically 3-6 months)
  • Security deposits and utility deposits
  • Moving costs and temporary storage fees
  • Case management and housing stabilization services

Priority populations:

  • Families with children
  • Elderly households (62+)
  • Individuals with disabilities
  • Veterans

Contact: Call (609) 292-4080 and select Option 9 for HPP information and local provider referrals.

2-1-1 New Jersey

Call 2-1-1 or visit nj211.org for immediate referrals to emergency assistance in your area. Available 24/7 in multiple languages including English and Spanish.

Long-Term Housing Programs

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

The Housing Choice Voucher program is New Jersey’s largest rental assistance program, with families typically paying 30% of their income toward rent.

Current Waiting List Status (2025)

Important Update: The statewide Section 8 waiting list closed on February 3, 2025, after selecting 20,000 households through a random lottery. The next opening has not been announced.

Priority preferences for the 2025 lottery included:

  • Veterans (highest priority)
  • Homeless individuals and families
  • People with disabilities
  • Domestic violence survivors
  • Local residents (by county)

Income Eligibility (2025)

Based on very low income limits (50% of Area Median Income):

County 1 Person 2 People 3 People 4 People
Bergen County $41,300 $47,200 $53,100 $59,000
Essex County $35,150 $40,150 $45,200 $50,200
Hudson County $42,350 $48,400 $54,450 $60,450
Monmouth County $42,900 $49,050 $55,150 $61,250

Source: HUD Income Limits 2025 – income limits vary by county

Fair Market Rents (2025)

Maximum rents Section 8 will pay by county:

County Studio 1 BR 2 BR 3 BR 4 BR
Bergen $1,644 $1,902 $2,072 $2,765 $3,062
Essex $1,525 $1,766 $2,140 $2,661 $2,956
Hudson $1,999 $2,181 $2,299 $2,986 $3,218
Middlesex $1,436 $1,661 $2,024 $2,516 $2,801

Reality check: New Jersey has one of the most competitive Section 8 programs in the nation. With only 20,000 vouchers awarded from potentially hundreds of thousands of applicants, your chances of receiving assistance are extremely limited. Consider applying to other programs simultaneously.

State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP)

The State Rental Assistance Program provides state-funded housing subsidies similar to Section 8.

Next Application Period: January 13-31, 2025, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time

Key differences from Section 8:

  • Cannot receive both SRAP and Section 8 simultaneously
  • State-funded (not federal)
  • Preference for veterans, homeless, elderly, disabled, and local residents
  • Random lottery selection process

Application process:

  1. Apply online at WaitlistCheck.com/NJ559 during enrollment period
  2. Only one application per household accepted
  3. 6,000 applications will be selected by random lottery
  4. Email address required for application

Reality check: Like Section 8, SRAP is extremely competitive. Only 6,000 applications will be selected from potentially tens of thousands of applicants. Apply during the enrollment period but don’t rely on this as your only housing solution.

Public Housing

Public housing developments are owned and operated by local housing authorities throughout New Jersey. Rent is typically 30% of adjusted income.

Benefits:

  • Lower cost than market rate housing
  • Utilities often included
  • Stable long-term housing
  • Some properties offer supportive services

Challenges:

  • Limited locations and availability
  • Long waiting lists (often 1-3 years)
  • Less housing choice than voucher programs

How to apply: Contact your local Public Housing Authority directly. Each authority maintains its own waiting list and application process.

Utility Assistance Programs

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

LIHEAP helps eligible households pay heating and cooling bills, administered by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.

Benefits Available (FY2025)

Source: The LIHEAP Clearinghouse

Benefit Type Amount Range
Regular Heating $118 – $1,278
Regular Cooling $118 – $1,278
Winter Crisis Up to $800
Weatherization Up to $13,497

Application periods:

  • LIHEAP 2025 season: Closed (reopens October 1, 2025)
  • Crisis assistance: Available October 1 – June 30 during heating season

Income Eligibility (60% State Median Income)

Household Size Maximum Annual Income
1 person $41,160
2 people $53,820
3 people $66,480
4 people $79,140
5 people $91,800

Required documents:

  • Photo ID for applicant
  • Social Security cards for all household members
  • Recent utility bills or disconnect notices
  • Proof of income for previous 30 days for all household members 18+

How to apply: Apply online at DCAid.dca.nj.gov or contact (800) 510-3102 for assistance.

Universal Service Fund (USF)

USF provides monthly credits on electric and gas bills for low-income customers.

Benefits:

  • Monthly bill credit of at least $5, up to $180
  • Fresh Start arrearage forgiveness program
  • Protection from winter shut-offs (November 15 – March 15)

Deadline: All USF applications must be submitted by August 15, 2025 to be considered for 2025 benefits.

Income eligibility: Same as LIHEAP (60% State Median Income)

How it works: Credit amount is based on your expected annual utility costs and income. If your utility bills will exceed 3% of your annual income, you’ll receive a larger credit.

NJ Lifeline Program

Lifeline provides a $225 yearly credit on electric or gas bills for seniors and disabled adults.

Eligibility:

  • Age 65+ OR receiving Social Security disability benefits
  • Income limits for 2025: $53,466 (single) / $60,690 (married)
  • Must be New Jersey resident

Application: Contact (800) 792-9745 for application assistance.

Homeownership Programs

New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA)

NJHMFA offers several programs for first-time homebuyers.

Down Payment Assistance Program

  • Up to $15,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance
  • Interest-free, five-year forgivable loan
  • No monthly payments required
  • Must be combined with NJHMFA first mortgage

First Generation Down Payment Assistance

  • Additional $7,000 for first-generation homebuyers
  • Must be combined with regular DPA program
  • Total assistance up to $22,000

Contact: (800) NJ-HOUSE or (609) 278-7400

FHA Loans

Federal Housing Administration loans offer benefits for single mothers:

  • Down payment as low as 3.5%
  • Credit scores as low as 580 accepted
  • Seller can pay closing costs
  • More flexible debt-to-income ratios than conventional loans

Specialized Housing Resources

Transitional Housing Programs

Womanspace (Princeton area)

Womanspace provides transitional housing for women and children fleeing domestic violence.

Services:

  • Safe transitional housing up to 24 months
  • Case management and safety planning
  • Children’s programming and childcare assistance
  • Job training and education support
  • Legal advocacy

Counties served: Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset

Contact: Crisis hotline (609) 394-9000

Women’s Center of Monmouth County

Transitional housing and supportive services for women and families.

Services:

  • Transitional housing program
  • Financial literacy training
  • Employment assistance
  • Childcare support

Contact: (732) 264-4111

Domestic Violence Housing

New Jersey Coalition Against Domestic Violence

24/7 Hotline: (609) 584-8107

Services available statewide:

  • Emergency shelter placement
  • Transitional housing programs (up to 2 years)
  • Rapid rehousing assistance
  • Safety planning and legal advocacy
  • Housing vouchers specifically for domestic violence survivors

WomenRising (Newark)

Supportive housing and services for women in Essex County.

Services:

  • Permanent supportive housing for women
  • Substance abuse recovery support
  • Mental health services
  • Job training and education

Inclusive Housing Resources

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers

While New Jersey has strong anti-discrimination laws, specialized LGBTQ+ housing resources are limited:

Legal protections:

  • New Jersey Law Against Discrimination prohibits housing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
  • All housing assistance programs must serve LGBTQ+ families equally

Supportive resources:

  • Garden State Equality: (973) 473-5428 – advocacy and resource referrals
  • PFLAG chapters throughout New Jersey provide community support
  • Contact 2-1-1 and specifically request LGBTQ+-affirming housing providers

Tribal-Specific Resources

New Jersey has no federally recognized tribes, but Native American families can access:

Federal programs:

Local resources:

  • Powhatan Renape Nation (Rankokus Reservation): Cultural center may provide resource referrals
  • Contact New Jersey Division of Civil Rights for discrimination protections

Rural Single Mothers with Limited Access

Rural New Jersey families face unique challenges including limited public transportation and fewer service providers.

Specialized resources:

  • USDA Rural Development programs (though limited in densely populated NJ)
  • County transportation programs – many counties offer reduced-fare or free transportation for medical and social service appointments
  • Mobile service delivery through some Community Action Agencies
  • Telehealth options for housing counseling and case management

Transportation assistance:

  • NJ Transit reduced fare programs for low-income riders
  • County social services departments often provide gas cards or transportation vouchers for essential appointments
  • Some housing authorities provide transportation to voucher briefings and housing searches

Single Fathers

While this guide focuses on single mothers, single fathers face similar housing challenges and can access the same programs:

All programs listed are available regardless of gender – Section 8, SRAP, LIHEAP, and emergency assistance serve single fathers equally

Additional resources:

  • National At-Home Dad Network: Online support and local meetups
  • Single Father Network: Community support groups
  • Many transitional housing programs serve single fathers with children

Reality check: Some domestic violence programs are women-specific, but male domestic violence survivors can access services through organizations like New Jersey Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Resources by Region

North Jersey (Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic)

Bergen County

Bergen County Housing Authority

  • Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
  • Public housing developments
  • Phone: (201) 336-6600

Bergen Community Action Partnership

  • Emergency assistance programs
  • LIHEAP applications
  • Homelessness prevention
  • Phone: (201) 368-4300

Essex County

Essex County Department of Citizen Services

  • Emergency rental assistance coordination
  • Housing counseling services
  • Phone: (973) 621-4000

Newark Housing Authority

Central Jersey (Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Somerset)

Middlesex County

Middlesex County Board of Social Services

  • Emergency assistance programs
  • Housing counseling
  • Phone: (732) 745-3500

Housing Authority of the County of Middlesex

Monmouth County

Monmouth County Social Services

  • Emergency rental assistance (ERAP)
  • Crisis intervention
  • Phone: (732) 431-7700

South Jersey (Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Salem)

Camden County

Camden County Board of Social Services

  • General assistance program
  • Emergency housing assistance
  • Phone: (856) 225-8800

Burlington County

Burlington Community Action Partnership

  • Homelessness prevention
  • Rapid rehousing programs
  • Housing stability services
  • Phone: (609) 835-8988

Common Questions Single Moms Ask (FAQs)

How long is the wait for Section 8 in New Jersey?

The Section 8 waiting list is currently closed statewide, with 20,000 households selected in January 2025. There’s no timeline for when the list will reopen. When operational, wait times typically range from 2-5 years depending on your county and priority status. Veterans, homeless families, and those with disabilities get priority processing.

Can I work and still get housing assistance?

Yes! Most programs have income limits rather than requiring unemployment. For example, a single mother with two children in Essex County can earn up to about $45,200 annually and still qualify for very low-income programs like Section 8. Working actually helps your application by showing stable income.

What if my landlord won’t accept Section 8?

New Jersey doesn’t have source of income discrimination laws, so landlords can legally refuse vouchers. However, many do participate. Contact your housing authority for landlord lists, use HUD’s housing search tool, or ask about landlord incentive programs that some housing authorities offer.

Can I get help if I’m undocumented?

Most federal programs require legal status, but emergency assistance through county programs may be available regardless of documentation. New Jersey state law provides some protections. Contact 2-1-1 for guidance on available resources.

What if I have bad credit or past evictions?

Many emergency assistance programs don’t check credit. For long-term programs like Section 8, housing authorities consider circumstances and may allow explanations for negative history. Some programs specifically serve people overcoming housing barriers.

How do I prove irregular income?

Keep detailed records of all work. Get written statements from employers, even for cash work. Document any government benefits, child support, or family assistance. Local housing counselors can help you organize this information properly.

Can I combine different housing programs?

You can receive multiple types of assistance simultaneously (like LIHEAP for utilities and emergency rental help), but you cannot receive both Section 8 and SRAP at the same time. Most programs complement rather than conflict with each other.

What happens if my Section 8 application isn’t selected?

Since selection is by lottery, not being chosen doesn’t reflect on your eligibility. Focus on other programs like SRAP (opens January 2025), county emergency assistance, and public housing waiting lists. Don’t put all your hopes on one program.

How do I handle housing discrimination?

File complaints with the New Jersey Division of Civil Rights at (609) 292-4605 or HUD’s Fair Housing hotline at (800) 669-9777. Document all interactions and keep records of discriminatory practices.

What if I need to move between counties?

Section 8 vouchers are “portable” – you can transfer them between counties and states. Contact your housing authority about the portability process before moving. Other programs may have residency requirements that affect transfers.

Warning Signs and Reality Checks

Red Flags to Avoid

Housing scams targeting desperate families: Never pay upfront fees for Section 8 applications – they’re always free. Be wary of “guaranteed” housing assistance or anyone claiming they can move you to the front of waiting lists for a fee.

Fake rental listings: Scammers target housing voucher holders with too-good-to-be-true rentals. Always view properties in person and verify landlord ownership before paying anything.

Application mills: Some companies charge fees to help with applications you can complete for free. Use official government websites and free housing counselors instead.

Common Challenges

Extremely competitive programs: New Jersey has some of the nation’s most competitive housing assistance programs. With only 30 affordable homes available per 100 extremely low-income households, most applicants won’t receive assistance through major programs like Section 8.

High cost of living: New Jersey’s housing costs are among the nation’s highest. Even with assistance, finding affordable housing can be challenging, especially in northern counties.

Complex application processes: Each program has different requirements, deadlines, and documentation needs. Missing paperwork or deadlines is the most common reason for delays or denials.

Transportation barriers: Many appointments require in-person visits, challenging for families without reliable transportation.

Tips for Success

Apply to everything you qualify for: Don’t wait for one program to deny you before applying to others. Submit applications to Section 8, SRAP, public housing, and emergency assistance simultaneously.

Get organized: Create a folder with copies of all required documents: ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates, income verification, utility bills, and bank statements. Having everything ready speeds up applications.

Use free housing counselors: HUD-approved housing counselors provide free help with applications, housing searches, and understanding your rights. They’re invaluable for navigating New Jersey’s complex system.

Build relationships with social workers: Case managers at emergency assistance programs often know about funding and housing opportunities not widely advertised.

Be persistent but patient: Follow up on applications monthly, but understand that funding is limited and wait times are long. Keep looking for other resources while waiting.

Additional Resources

New Jersey State Agencies

New Jersey Department of Community Affairs

  • Housing assistance program administration
  • LIHEAP, Section 8, SRAP coordination
  • Phone: (609) 292-4080
  • Website: nj.gov/dca

New Jersey Department of Human Services

  • SNAP, TANF, Medicaid applications
  • Child care assistance
  • Phone: (877) 652-0057

Federal Resources

HUD Customer Service

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Legal Aid

Legal Services of New Jersey

New Jersey Civil Legal Services

  • Housing discrimination complaints
  • Landlord-tenant legal issues
  • Hotline: (833) 457-5342

Housing Counseling

NeighborWorks America

  • HUD-approved housing counseling
  • First-time homebuyer education
  • Find local counselor: (866) 557-2227

New Jersey Housing Resource Center

  • Searchable database of available housing
  • Accessibility-focused housing search
  • Website: njhrc.org

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 Community Affairs, HUD, HHS, and local nonprofits to ensure accuracy.

Information compiled from official New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, HUD, The LIHEAP Clearinghouse, and county social services 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.

Disclaimer

Program details, income limits, and availability can change frequently. This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Always verify current program requirements, application deadlines, and income limits with the relevant agency before applying. Funding for assistance programs is limited and not guaranteed to be available when you apply.

New Jersey housing assistance programs are extremely competitive, with far more applicants than available assistance. Having realistic expectations about wait times and approval odds is important for planning your family’s housing stability.

For the most current information, contact programs directly or speak with a HUD-approved housing counselor at (800) 569-4287.

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