EBT Guides
Apr 10, 2025
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides essential food assistance to low-income individuals and families in New Jersey, ensuring access to nutritious meals and alleviating food insecurity.
SNAP Income Limits and Benefit Amounts in New Jersey
Income limits and benefit amounts for SNAP in New Jersey are determined based on household size and gross monthly income. The gross monthly income limit is the maximum income a household can earn to qualify for SNAP benefits, while the maximum benefit amount is the highest amount of assistance a household can receive each month.
Household Size: 1
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $2,147
Maximum Benefit Amount: $281
Household Size: 2
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $2,903
Maximum Benefit Amount: $516
Household Size: 3
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $3,660
Maximum Benefit Amount: $740
Household Size: 4
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $4,417
Maximum Benefit Amount: $939
Household Size: 5
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $5,173
Maximum Benefit Amount: $1,116
Household Size: 6
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $5,930
Maximum Benefit Amount: $1,339
Household Size: 7
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $6,687
Maximum Benefit Amount: $1,480
Household Size: 8
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $7,443
Maximum Benefit Amount: $1,691
Household Size: Each additional person
Gross Monthly Income Limit: +$757
Maximum Benefit Amount: +$211
For the most current information, please visit the official New Jersey SNAP website.
Eligibility Criteria for SNAP in New Jersey
To qualify for SNAP benefits in New Jersey, applicants must meet several eligibility criteria:
Income Limits: Applicants must meet both gross and net income limits based on household size.
Residency Requirements: Applicants must reside in New Jersey.
Citizenship Status: U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens can qualify.
Work Requirements: Certain work-related conditions must be met.
Special Conditions: Special considerations are given to seniors, disabled individuals, and students.
For detailed information, please visit the New Jersey SNAP website.
How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in New Jersey
Applying for SNAP benefits in New Jersey can be done online, in-person, or by mail, providing multiple convenient options for eligible residents to access essential food assistance.
Applying Online
To apply for SNAP benefits online as a New Jersey resident, follow these steps:
Visit the official SNAP application website
Go to the New Jersey SNAP website to start your application.
Create an account or log in
Sign up for a new account or log in if you already have one.
Complete the application form
Fill out the online application form with the necessary details about your household and income.
Submit required documents electronically
Upload any required documents, such as proof of income and residency, directly through the portal.
Review and submit your application
Double-check all the information and documents before submitting your application for review.
Applying In-Person
To apply for SNAP benefits in-person, follow these steps:
Locate your nearest SNAP office
Find the closest SNAP office by visiting the New Jersey SNAP website or calling 1-800-687-9512.
Gather necessary documents
Collect essential documents like ID, proof of income, and residency before your visit.
Visit the office during business hours
Go to the SNAP office during their business hours, typically Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Complete the application form
Fill out the application form provided at the office with your household and income details.
Submit your application to a caseworker
Hand in your completed application and documents to a caseworker for review and processing.
Applying by Mail
To apply for SNAP benefits in New Jersey by mail, follow these steps:
Download and print the SNAP application form
Visit the New Jersey SNAP website to download and print the application form.
Fill out the form
Complete the application form with your household and income details.
Photocopy necessary documents
Make copies of essential documents like ID, proof of income, and residency.
Mail the application and documents
Send the completed application and photocopied documents to the address provided on the form.
Wait for confirmation
Expect a confirmation or further instructions from the SNAP office by mail.
Special SNAP Services in New Jersey
In New Jersey, residents may access special SNAP services, including expedited benefits for urgent needs, disaster assistance, and support for homeless individuals. Visit the New Jersey SNAP website to learn more and see if you qualify.
Expedited SNAP Services in New Jersey
Residents of New Jersey can receive expedited SNAP benefits in emergency situations by meeting specific criteria. These criteria include having extremely low income, limited resources, or an urgent need for food assistance. For instance, households with less than $150 in monthly gross income and less than $100 in liquid resources may qualify for expedited services.
Additionally, if a household's combined monthly income and liquid resources are less than their monthly rent or mortgage and utility costs, they may also be eligible. Expedited benefits are designed to provide immediate relief, ensuring that those in dire need can access essential food assistance without delay. Applications meeting these criteria are typically processed within seven days.
Disaster Assistance for SNAP Beneficiaries
If you are affected by disasters such as fires or power outages in New Jersey, you may qualify for replacement SNAP benefits. This assistance is available to current SNAP recipients who have lost food due to these emergencies.
To apply, contact your local SNAP office and report the loss within ten days of the disaster. Even if you are not currently receiving SNAP benefits, you can still apply for emergency assistance by completing a SNAP application and indicating your urgent need.
Be prepared to provide documentation such as proof of identity, residency, and details of the disaster's impact on your food supply. This ensures that your request is processed quickly and efficiently, helping you recover from the emergency.
SNAP for Seniors and People with Disabilities
SNAP in New Jersey provides tailored support for older adults (60+) and individuals with disabilities, recognizing their unique needs. These groups often have simplified application options, such as shorter forms and assistance with the application process, making it easier to access benefits.
Eligibility criteria for seniors and disabled individuals may differ slightly, often allowing higher income limits and more lenient asset tests. This ensures that those with fixed incomes or additional financial burdens can still qualify for essential food assistance.
Common deductions for these groups include out-of-pocket medical expenses, which can significantly reduce countable income. This adjustment helps ensure that medical costs do not hinder access to necessary nutrition support.
How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in New Jersey
Once approved for SNAP benefits, it's important to understand how to use them effectively, including what you can buy and where.
What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?
EBT cards, or Electronic Benefit Transfer cards, are used by SNAP recipients to access their benefits. Similar to a credit or debit card, an EBT card is swiped at the point of sale, and the purchase amount is deducted from the card's balance. These cards can be used at authorized retailers to buy eligible food items, making it a convenient and efficient way for beneficiaries to manage their SNAP benefits.
What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?
Recipients in New Jersey can use their EBT cards to purchase a variety of eligible food items, ensuring they have access to nutritious options. These items include:
Fruits
Vegetables
Dairy products
Bread and cereals
Meat, poultry, and fish
Non-alcoholic beverages
However, there are restrictions on what can be purchased with EBT cards. Ineligible items include:
Alcoholic beverages
Hot foods
Vitamins and supplements
Non-food products such as cleaning supplies, paper products, and pet food
Download Benny for Free and Earn Cash Back on EBT
With Benny, you can earn cash back on groceries from stores like Target, Walmart, and Dollar Tree, as well as services such as Uber and Lyft. Download Benny for free. Connect your EBT card and earn cashback as you shop.
Where Can You Use Your EBT Card?
Recipients in New Jersey can use their EBT cards at a variety of locations, including grocery stores, corner stores, and farmers' markets. These venues offer a wide range of eligible food items, ensuring access to nutritious options.
Additionally, EBT cards can be used for online purchases at approved retailers like Amazon and Walmart, providing further convenience for beneficiaries. This flexibility allows recipients to shop for groceries in a way that best suits their needs and lifestyle.
How to Manage Your SNAP Benefits
Effectively managing your SNAP benefits ensures you maximize your food assistance, avoid running out of funds, and maintain eligibility. Here's how to check your EBT balance, understand deposit schedules, and renew benefits.
EBT Deposit Schedule in New Jersey
In New Jersey, SNAP benefits are typically deposited onto EBT cards based on the last digit of the case number. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Case numbers ending in 1: Benefits deposited on the 1st of the month
Case numbers ending in 2: Benefits deposited on the 2nd of the month
Case numbers ending in 3: Benefits deposited on the 3rd of the month
Case numbers ending in 4: Benefits deposited on the 4th of the month
Case numbers ending in 5: Benefits deposited on the 5th of the month
Case numbers ending in 6: Benefits deposited on the 6th of the month
Case numbers ending in 7: Benefits deposited on the 7th of the month
Case numbers ending in 8: Benefits deposited on the 8th of the month
Case numbers ending in 9: Benefits deposited on the 9th of the month
Case numbers ending in 0: Benefits deposited on the 10th of the month
Understanding the deposit schedule is crucial for managing your SNAP benefits effectively, ensuring you can plan your grocery shopping and avoid running out of funds.
Check out our guide on EBT deposit schedule in New Jersey to learn more about the schedule and common reasons for delays.
How to Check Your EBT Card Balance
There are several methods available for checking your EBT balance in New Jersey:
Online Portal
Visit the New Jersey Families First website and log in to check your balance.
Benny App
Benny is a mobile app that allows you to check your EBT balance and transactions in real time by linking your EBT card to the app. Download Benny for free.
Phone Number
Call the number on the back of your EBT card and follow the prompts to hear your balance.
ATM Receipt
Insert your EBT card into an ATM and select "Balance Inquiry" to print a receipt with your balance.
For additional information on each method for checking your EBT balance, check our guide on EBT Balance Check in New Jersey.
How to Renew Your SNAP Benefits
Recipients in New Jersey must renew or recertify their SNAP benefits every 6 to 12 months, depending on their specific case. Required documents typically include proof of income, residency, and household expenses. The recertification process can be completed online, by mail, or in-person at a local SNAP office.
Timely recertification is important to avoid benefit interruptions. Ensure all documents are up-to-date and submitted before the deadline. For more details on the recertification process, visit the New Jersey SNAP website.
EBT Customer Support in New Jersey
For SNAP and EBT customer support in New Jersey, understanding how to get assistance is crucial for resolving issues and ensuring uninterrupted benefits.
For contact details, support options, and solutions to common issues, check out our guide on EBT customer service in New Jersey.
How to Contact EBT Customer Service in New Jersey
EBT Customer Service Phone Number: 1-800-997-3333
Hours of Operation: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Services Offered:
Reporting lost or stolen EBT cards
Resetting PINs
Checking EBT card balances
Assistance with EBT transactions
General inquiries about EBT benefits
Local SNAP Office Locations and Contact Info
Finding your nearest SNAP or DHS office in New Jersey is straightforward with several available resources. You can use online locator tools, call dedicated phone lines, or book appointments directly.
Online Locator Tools
Visit the New Jersey SNAP website and use the office locator tool to find the nearest office by entering your zip code or city.
Phone Lines
Call the SNAP customer service number at 1-800-687-9512 for assistance in locating the nearest office and getting additional information.
Appointment Booking
Some offices offer online appointment booking through their websites, allowing you to schedule a visit at your convenience.
Multi-Langual Support
In New Jersey, SNAP application materials and assistance are available in multiple languages to support non-English speakers. This ensures that all residents can access the benefits they need. The most common languages in which assistance is available include:
Spanish
Chinese
Korean
Portuguese
Manage your SNAP Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny
Managing your SNAP benefits in New Jersey is easier with Benny. This app lets you check your EBT balance and transactions instantly, ensuring you stay on top of your benefits. Plus, you can earn cash back on groceries and other purchases at stores like Walmart, Target, and 7-Eleven.
Discover how Benny can help you manage your SNAP benefits more effectively. Learn more about Benny.
Frequently Asked Questions about SNAP in New Jersey
Who qualifies for SNAP benefits in New Jersey?
To qualify for SNAP benefits in New Jersey, you must meet income limits based on household size, be a resident of New Jersey, and be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. Additionally, you must meet certain work requirements, and special conditions apply for seniors, disabled individuals, and students.
Can college students apply for SNAP?
Yes, college students can apply for SNAP in New Jersey if they meet specific conditions. They must work at least 20 hours per week, participate in a state or federally funded work-study program, or care for a dependent under 6 years old. Additionally, students with disabilities or those enrolled in certain educational programs may qualify.
Can I get SNAP benefits if I’m an immigrant?
Some immigrants may qualify for SNAP benefits depending on their immigration status. Eligible non-citizens include lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees. Specific criteria must be met to receive assistance. Check the New Jersey SNAP website for detailed eligibility information.
How often do I need to renew my SNAP benefits?
SNAP recipients in New Jersey typically need to renew their benefits every 6 to 12 months. The exact renewal period depends on individual circumstances and state rules. Keeping track of your renewal date is important to ensure continuous access to food assistance.
