Food Stamp Eligibility in New Jersey
When low-income residents of the state of New Jersey find it difficult to afford food on top of essential housing expenses, they can apply for help in the form of food stamps. New Jersey's food stamp program provides a monthly allotment for qualified individuals and families to purchase produce, dairy, meats, canned goods and cereals. Participants cannot purchase personal care items, prepared foods, cigarettes or alcohol. To receive these benefits, you must meet certain eligibility requirements.
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Citizenship
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Only residents of New Jersey are allowed to apply for food stamp benefits in New Jersey. In addition, residents must be U.S. citizens or qualified immigrants. In either case, documentation is required to prove residency (such as a utility bill) and citizenship status (such as a birth certificate or green card). Eligible applicants must apply for food stamps in the county in which they reside.
Income
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To receive food stamps, you must be income eligible. The current limit is 185 percent below the federal poverty level. Income eligibility is determined by the number of individuals in your household and the expenses that are associated with the household. A family of three may be allowed to make up to $2,823 monthly, while a family of five can earn as much as $3,976. Some resources are also taken into account when determining income eligibility. Savings account balances, CDs and tenant income, for example, are all resources used to figure whether your family qualifies for food stamps.
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Work Requirements
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New Jersey residents who are not currently working at the time of the food stamp application may be required to attend a work force training program to remain eligible to receive food stamps. There are exemptions to this requirement; for example, pregnant women, minors still in school, individuals over the age of 60 and individuals with disabilities are exempt.
Reporting Requirement
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Once eligibility is determined, you have a duty to report any changes that occur over the next year that would affect the amount of food stamps owed. Changes must be reported to your county's Social Services Department within 10 days of the change taking place. For example, if your boss gives you a raise, you need to report the additional income within 10 days of the raise taking effect. If no significant changes occur, you will only need to reapply yearly to determine continued eligibility.
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