WorkFirst New Jersey (WFNJ)

Provides families with minor children financial assistance and support services through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program. WFNJ also provides assistance and support services for single adults and couples without dependent children through the General Assistance Program (GA).

WFNJ’s goal is to provide a smooth transition from welfare to self-sufficiency. Recipients are required to participate, under Federal regulation, in 35 or 30 hours of various employability activities. These activities include, but are not limited to, Community Work Experience, Alternative Work Experience, On the Job Training, Job Search, Vocational Education, Job Skills Training, and Community Service. Childcare, transportation, and other work-related expenses may be covered to encourage participation.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Assistance for families who are struggling to provide basic needs such as financial, medical, and childcare. Families can include parent(s) and their dependent children from birth to 18 (or 19 if graduating from high school). If dependent children are special needs, assistance will expire on their 21st birthday. Financial eligibility must be established in order to qualify.

General Assistance (GA)

Provides financial and medical assistance for adult individuals and couples without dependent children. Applicants are evaluated as employable or unemployable. Those who are decidedly unemployable must provide proof of their disability, as well as the status of their disability. As with the TANF program, financial eligibility must be established to qualify. TASS administers the GA program for the municipalities of Allamuchy, Alpha, Belvidere, Greenwich, Hackettstown, Hardwick, Harmony, Independence, Liberty, Lopatcong, Mansfield, Oxford, Phillipsburg, Pohatcong, Washington Borough, Washington Township, and White Township.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Enables low-income individuals, seniors, and families to purchase a variety of nutritious foods. Eligibility is based upon income, resources, and expenses. This is not a welfare program, nor is it necessary to be on welfare in order to be eligible to receive food stamp benefits.  SNAP is, however, a complementary program to TANF and GA. Those qualifying now receive an electronic benefits card (EBT) similar to a credit/debit card. Most food items can be purchased with these benefits. In order to receive these benefits, an online application is available at www.njhelps.org .