Official Site of The State of New Jersey

The State of NJ site may contain optional links, information, services and/or content from other websites operated by third parties that are provided as a convenience, such as Google™ Translate. Google™ Translate is an online service for which the user pays nothing to obtain a purported language translation. The user is on notice that neither the State of NJ site nor its operators review any of the services, information and/or content from anything that may be linked to the State of NJ site for any reason. -Read Full Disclaimer close

NJ SNAP

Application Process

1. Fill out an application.
2. Have a phone or in-person interview
   In most cases, the county has 30 days after you turn in your application to determine if you will get SNAP. During the 30 days, the county will interview you. The interview will be either over the phone or in person. During the interview, the county will go over your application with you.
3. Submit verification
   If you are applying online, you can upload your documents online.

Need help applying? A SNAP Navigator can answer your questions and can assist with your application. To find the agency that works in your county, visit the Get Help Applying page to view the counties each agency serves and the contact information for the agency.

MyNJHelps

MyNJHelps is the online application system for New Jersey's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and WorkFirst NJ (WFNJ) programs. It is designed to help you get food and cash assistance support for you and your family.

The videos below provide a brief overview of MyNJHelps. They walk you through how to create an account.

Once you have a MyNJHelps account, you will be able to start an application and submit it or save it to finish later. You will also be able to upload supporting documents and check the status of your submitted application.

Proof Needed to Get Benefits

You will need the following for everyone in your household who is applying:

• A valid ID (i.e. driver’s license, birth certificate, government ID)
• Proof of where you live (i.e. lease, rental agreement, utility bill)
  *Unless you are experiencing homelessness
• Proof of earned income (i.e. paystubs, employer letter, recent tax records)
• Proof of unearned income (benefits award letter)
• Proof of resources (i.e. bank statements)
• Social Security Number
• Proof of immigration status (for non-citizens)
• Proof of student status (for college students)

You can get more benefits by providing:

• Housing costs (i.e. rent receipt, mortgage statement, property tax bills)
• Phone and utility costs
• Medical expenses for anyone in your household 60+ or disabled
• Child and adult care costs
• Child support paid by a person in your household

Even if you do not have everything on the list, you should still apply. Click here for a comprehensive checklist of documents you may need to provide.

Who Can Apply

• Any household member over 18 (A SNAP household is anyone who lives and eats together)
• Seniors and individuals with disabilities can have a friend or family member (called authorized representative on the application) submit an application on their behalf either online or in person at the County Social Service Agency.

How soon are benefits available?

• Within 30 days
• If you need help sooner, you may qualify to receive your benefits within 7 days. If you and your household:
  • Have less than $150 in monthly income and less than $100 in liquid resources (cash on hand, savings, or checking); or
  • Have housing costs that are more than its monthly income and liquid resources; or
  • You or someone in your household is a migrant or seasonal farm worker with less than $100 in liquid resources.