Food stamps (SNAP) in
New Jersey.

New Jersey sets its own minimum monthly SNAP benefit at $95. When the federal formula leaves a household with less, including the federal $25 minimum, the state adds a supplemental payment so the total comes to $95.

The top-up lands on the Families First card with the regular benefit, starting the first full month you are eligible. DHS gives the example of a household approved for $23, which receives $72 more from the state.

DHS writes the rules, but the social service agency in your county takes applications, holds interviews, sends renewal notices and checks proof of exemptions. Its contact details appear on DHS's county directory and on every letter it mails you.

Report changes there or in MyNJHelps no later than 10 days after you learn of them: a new job (counted from the first paycheck), a change in earned income of more than $125 or in unearned income of $125 or more, a move, a new household member, or a change in child support received.

Certification periods in New Jersey usually last 12 or 24 months. An Interim Reporting Form arrives at the four- or ten-month mark, depending on the length, and must be returned through MyNJHelps, in the envelope provided, or at the county office.

On the form, report income changes over $125, a move, a change in who lives with you, child support changes over $50, and lottery or gambling winnings of $4,750 or more (the FY2027 federal figure). About two months before the period ends, a Notice of Expiration arrives with an interview date.

Until January 31, 2026, every county except Morris was waived from the ABAWD time limit. From February 1, 2026 only Camden City and Cape May County are, and USDA's first-quarter FY2027 status sheet still marks New Jersey as partially waived.

Everywhere else, able-bodied 18- to 64-year-olds without a child under 14 on the case need 80 monthly hours of paid work, volunteering, in-kind work or a program. DHS says three counted months mean losing SNAP until January 31, 2027, but meeting the rules again restores it after 30 days.

Tell the county within 10 days if you fall under 80 hours. Good reasons outside your control, such as illness, no child care or no transportation, keep a month from counting against you.

The Summer EBT program in New Jersey sends a one-time $120 card per eligible child, and a new card comes each year. The money must be spent within 122 days, counted from the day it was loaded rather than the day the card reached your mailbox.

A child can receive Summer EBT from only one state each summer. Families moving out of New Jersey during or right after the summer should email DFNSummerEBT@ag.nj.gov.

A fair hearing request is due within 90 days of the county decision under USDA rules, and it can be made by phone, in writing or in person at the local office.

SNAP appeals go before an administrative law judge in New Jersey. The hearing, the judge's Initial Decision and the Final Decision must all be finished inside 60 days from the request, and the judge has 14 days after the hearing to issue the Initial Decision.