Low-income families in New Jersey may apply for food benefits through the New Jersey Food Stamps program. The New Jersey food stamps program provides New Jersey residents with monthly allotments to purchase healthy foods for their families. New Jersey allows residents with annual incomes at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level to apply for the government food program.
Income Guidelines
Depending upon the household size, household expenses, annual gross income and available assets, families can apply for assistance with their local New Jersey Department of Human Services office. The office requires proof of income, identification and proof of household expenses before making its final eligibility determination. Although New Jersey limits its food stamp allowance to families that fall below or within 185 percent of the federal poverty level, families with elderly individuals or disabled or elderly adults receiving government disability benefits can exceed the poverty threshold if their housing and medical expenses are high enough.
Exceptions to Income Thresholds
New Jersey may require families to come at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty level if a household member previously violated the food stamp program's rules. For a family of three in 2010, New Jersey disallowed food assistance participation if their gross incomes exceeded $2,823 monthly. Applicants who meet the federal poverty guidelines may apply online for benefits or with their local County Welfare Agency.
Gross Income Deductions
New Jersey allows certain deductions or exceptions from includable income during eligibility determinations. For instance, New Jersey provides a deduction from includable gross income for a non-custodial parent's legal child-support obligation, medical expenses for disabled or elderly individuals living in the household that exceed $35 monthly and are uncovered by insurance, dependent care or childcare expense deductions for working, education or training and some utility costs. New Jersey provides all families with a standard 20 percent deduction amount from earned income and a standard deduction amount depending upon the household's size, limited to $205 monthly. The total gross income amount after the exclusions and deductions provide the family's gross income for determination.
Families First Card
New Jersey's Division of Family Development provides food stamp recipients with an electronic transfer card that allows families to access their monthly food stamp allowances using the card at participating farmers' markets and grocery stores. Some stores in New Jersey allow recipients to withdraw their monthly benefits to spend on allowable food items instead of using their benefit cards. Families may purchase healthy foods with their electronic transfer benefit cards limited to foods that are not hot or ready-made.
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