Apply for Cash Assistance

Experiencing financial hardship?

New Jersey’s Cash Assistance programs provide financial help to families with minor children, as well as single adults and childless couples who are in financial need. The TANF Temporary Assistance program helps families with dependent children, and the GA Assistance program helps single adults and childless couples. 

Note: you'll be asked to apply for Child Support/Paternity, Unemployment Insurance, and any other income stream you might be eligible for. We will guide you through this process. 

Have questions about Cash Assistance? Please read the following:

Frequently Asked Questions

If I lose or damage my EBT card, how can I get a new one?

First, call 1-800-977-333 to cancel your current card. We can’t issue a new card to you until you cancel your current one.

After you cancel your card, email [email protected]. Include your name and case number, and state that you need a new EBT card.

I’m not available during my scheduled interview time. Can I reschedule?

Please try to keep your appointment.

However, if you aren’t able to keep your appointment for any reason, we’ll reschedule it for you.

If you are currently receiving benefits, you’ll receive a notice of expiration with a date and time to re-certify your case. Make sure to schedule your appointment before that date!

Call 973-326-7800 to reschedule.

We receive a lot of phone calls, so you might not get a live person to speak with.

Leave a message to reschedule your appointment. Please leave your name and case number on the message.

I’m already receiving benefits from another county or state. Can I apply for benefits in Morris County?

If you have active benefits in another county/state outside of Morris County, NJ, you must contact that benefits office and close those benefits before applying with us.

When will my case be processed? When will I get my benefits?

It can take up to 30 days from either:

  • The date you apply online, or
  • The date the agency receives your signed, completed application, if you filled out a paper application.

How can I check on the status of my case?

If you applied online, you can check your status at mynjhelps.gov. Enter your login information or confirmation number to check your status.

If you applied over the phone or in person, you can call our office at 973-326-7800 to check your status. We have very long wait times, so please leave a message with your name, case number, and brief description of your question. Please be patient and allow 48 business hours for a response before calling again.

If possible, apply online – you’ll be able to keep track of your status more easily.

Why have my benefits been cut or reduced?

There are many reasons why your benefits may change, including:

  • COVID waivers expiring
  • A change in your household size
  • A change in your income
    • This includes receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Retirement, Survivors, Disability Insurance (RSDI), and/or unemployment benefits
  • A change in housing costs

You’ll receive a notice with an explanation of benefit changes in the mail. If you have any questions about these changes, contact us at 973-326-7800.

I just called and was instructed to leave a message. When will you call me back?

There’s a very high volume of incoming calls.

Before calling, please read this page carefully to see if we’ve already answered your questions!

If you need to call, leave a message with your case number, your name, and a brief description of why you are calling.

Please be patient and allow 48 business hours for a response before calling again. (Our offices are open from 8:30am – 4:30pm.)

Calls are returned in the order in which they are received.

Eligibility

  • Applicant /recipient must be New Jersey Resident and apply in the county he/she / they reside
  • The income must be under the income limit.
  • Adults must be a Legal Permanent Resident for no less than 5 years – this requirement does not apply in certain cases.
  • Resources such as savings, checking accounts, bonds and immediate disposable assets must be below $2000.
  • Applicant/recipient must apply for and accept other benefits (Unemployment Compensation, Workman’s Compensation, Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI), Child Support, etc) for which she/he/they may be eligible.

Documents You'll Need to Apply for Cash Assistance

This is a list of documents you will need to apply for cash assistance. (Some of them may not apply to you or your family.) You need to bring original documents with you. We will make copies.

You must prove your identity to the worker and provide one of the following:

  • Birth Certificate
  • Driver’s License
  • Old SNAP ID
  • School Photo ID
  • Work Photo ID
  • Voter Registration Card

You must have the Social Security Number for all household members.

You must prove where you live, unless you are homeless, with one of the following:

  • Current rent receipt showing landlord’s name & phone number, your mailing address, and amount of rent
  • Current rental assistance agreement Current mortgage statement and/or tax bill
  • Current mortgage statement and/or tax bill
  • Utility bill

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you need a current I-94 or current I-551 (green card).

Resources: Only if you are an Elderly/Disabled household with Income over 185% or if household has an IPV (Intentional Program Violation) or if the head of household is work sanctioned. 

  • Bank Account (savings/checking)
  • Savings bonds
  • Money in a credit union
  • Christmas Club
  • IRA, Keogh or other investments
  • Property deed
  • Life/ medical insurance
  • Real estate (other than your home)
  • Burial plots/pre-paid funeral arrangements

Income: You must show how much, how often you receive it, and where it comes from, with any of the following that apply to you:

  • Your last 4 pay stubs, showing gross wages and deductions. If you are self- employed, last year’s tax records, with signatures.
  • Copy of pension check
  • Copy of interest statement from bank
  • Letter from employer giving amount of private disability
  • Child Support - copy of court order or letter from absent parent/copy of check stub
  • Signed/dated letter from provider of any money you receive on a regular basis
  • Property deed
  • Workers’ Compensation

 

 

 

You can apply for Cash Assistance online or in person:

Apply Online

Step 1.Check your eligibility

Check your eligibility by selecting Eligibility above.

Step 2.Get your documents ready

Check the list above, Documents You'll Need to Apply for Cash Assistance, to see what documents you'll need for your application. (Some of them may not apply to you or your family.)

Step 3.Apply Online

Go to application portal

Click "apply" on the Services box, then fill in and submit the application.

Step 4.We'll Call You

Once we receive your application, we'll give you a phone call to schedule an interview. 

Step 5.Complete Interview

During COVID-19, we will interview you over the phone. (Normally, this is done in person.)

We’ll also let you know if there’s any additional documentation that you need to submit

Step 6.Submit your documentation

Email any necessary documentation to [email protected].

Step 7.We'll process your case

It can take up to 30 days to process your case from the date you applied online.

Apply In Person

Note: during COVID-19, we aren't doing in-person interviews. Call our office at 973-326-7800. 

Step 1.Check your eligibility

Check your eligibility by selecting Eligibility above.

Step 2.Get your documents ready

Check the list above, Documents You'll Need to Apply for Cash Assistance, to see what documents you'll need for your application. (Some of them may not apply to you or your family.)

You must bring original documents with you, not copies.

Step 3.Visit our office

Visit our office on Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm:

340 W. Hanover Ave.
Morristown, NJ 07960

Ask a staff member about applying for Cash Assistance.

Step 4.Review

We'll review your application. We'll notify you of your eligibility within 30 days (from the date of your application).

Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Receive a WFNJ application by mail or in person on the day you request to file an application.
  • Not be interviewed before filing an application. You need only to complete the applicant’s name and address and sign the application.
  • Request a home visit .
  • Receive WFNJ benefits within thirty days from your application date if you are eligible and we have received the necessary information.

     

Your Responsibilities

The applicant/household must:

  • Complete and sign the application, be interviewed and cooperate in the verification of information
  • Provide the agency with proof to support its income statements and cooperate in resolving any unconfirmed information
  • Comply with Department of Labor
  • Comply with Social Service Department
  • Comply with Child Support Department
  • Cooperate in all reviews of its eligibility for benefits
  • Report changes in household circumstances, including but not limited to:
    • changes of address
    • changes in household size or composition
    • changes in income
    • increases in resources