New Jersey emergency assistance.
Low income New Jersey families may qualify for the state's Emergency Assistance program. Work First New Jersey and other qualified low income participants in the program may be able to receive limited amounts of financial assistance and cash grants for a number of situations. Services are focused on families with children, seniors, and disabled. However the program is wide ranging and extensive. Therefore a number of other low income and working poor who are most at risk may be able to qualify, and the application information is below..
The resources and types of aid offered are extensive, and some of the benefits of the NJ emergency assistance program include shelter, food and groceries, clothing, and other more day to day and basic need type items. Funding is limited, and the demands on the program are extensive, so unfortunately not everyone can receive help, and applicants need to meet all program requirements.
However, in addition to those basic needs above, the program can help with other needs that are more financial in matter and resolve around shelter, utility bills and housing. These other types of assistance can include:
Temporary financial assistance for rent and mortgage payments - This is offered to people who are faced with an eviction from their home or apartment. Or if you are facing a foreclosure, then temporary mortgage assistance may be provided. The goal is to offer emergency mortgage and rent help to prevent homelessness in the community.
Utility bill payments – This can include different types of utility expenses, including heating bills, water, natural gas, and electric bills. Focus is on low income people facing a disconnection of their utilities, shut off of water service, or people who have run out of heating oil or fuel. The program and its staff may be able to help individuals apply for other government programs too, like LIHEAP and weatherization. Also get referrals to non-profits and local charities across New Jersey.
Housing and moving expenses – Limited amounts of help can be offered for contributing towards moving expenses, transportation to search for housing, and other more general housing needs. This can help people find a new, safe, and affordable apartment or housing unit in New Jersey.
Assistance is provided on an emergency basis and to people facing an unexpected hardship or crisis situation. Qualified families and individuals who may be able to qualify for help include those who are at immediate risk of becoming homeless (from eviction or foreclosure). Aid may also be offered as well for people who are currently homeless.
Help for basic needs in a crisis
The New Jersey Emergency Assistance Program deals with more than just housing crises though. For example, financial help may be offered for those qualified residents who have experienced a substantial loss due to an unexpected hardship. The program can address basic needs such as food, clothing, medications, housing, or household furnishings. Support can be offered to residents that are struggling due to flood, fire, or some type of similar disaster. Also get information on food pantries and thrift stores that are available across the state.
The program has a defined period of time in which it can help, and it is not intended to be a long term charity program. So beneficiaries of any aid from the state should use the support provided as an opportunity to get back on track and regain self-sufficiency.
People need to become self-sufficient over the long term and not rely on emergency financial assistance from the state of New Jersey. If after applying, if you are found to be qualified for emergency assistance, then any type of assistance provided will be limited to 12 months at most. However, there can be a number of limited extensions or exceptions made. For example, financial assistance for paying bills and housing issues may be granted beyond that 12 month period under certain hardship conditions, with specific limitations.
Applying for NJ Emergency assistance from Human Services
To learn more about Emergency Assistance in New Jersey, or to apply for help, dial the Division of Human Services Family Development at 1-800-510-3102.
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