SNAP and food help for older adults in New Jersey

Who qualifies

NJ SNAP looks at everyone who lives and buys or makes food together. You can apply on your own even if you live with others, as long as you buy and make your food separately.

If you are 60 or older, or have a disability, you may qualify even if your income is above these limits. Apply anyway.

Other rules for people 60 and older:

• No work rules. Work requirements do not apply to anyone 60 or older.
• Higher asset limits. Savings may be counted, but households with an older or disabled member are allowed more.
• Longer approval. Your benefits can last 24 months before you renew.

What counts and what can raise your benefit

Your income from all sources counts, such as Social Security, pensions and wages. But some costs are taken off before your benefit is figured:

• Medical costs: if you are 60 or older or disabled, out-of-pocket medical costs over $35 a month are deducted.
• Housing costs.
• Utility and phone bills.
• Care costs for a child or an adult, and child support you pay.

Save your bills and receipts. Each one can raise your benefit.

New Jersey's minimum benefit

New Jersey sets a minimum monthly benefit of $95. If you are approved for less than that, the state adds a supplement to your Families First card, starting the first full month you are eligible.

For example, if you are approved for a small federal amount, you still get $95 in all. You do not need to apply separately for the state top-up.

Extra help that comes with SNAP

Households with someone 60 or older or disabled who get NJ SNAP are automatically eligible for LIHEAP and USF help with energy bills.

How to apply

1. Check first (optional). NJHelps.gov has a short screening tool. It takes about 5 to 10 minutes.
2. Apply. Choose one:
   • Online at MyNJHelps.gov. It takes about 20 to 45 minutes. You can save and finish later, upload papers, and check your status.
   • On paper. Download the application from the NJ SNAP website (it comes in 18 languages). Bring, mail or fax it to your County Social Service Agency.
   • Someone else can apply for you. Seniors can name a friend or family member as an "authorized representative" to apply online or in person.
3. Have an interview. The county talks with you by phone or in person.
4. Send your papers. Do not wait to apply if you do not have them all yet. You may need:
   • a photo ID and proof of where you live
   • proof of income, such as a Social Security award letter
   • bank statements
   • Social Security numbers
   • proof of immigration status, if you are not a citizen
   • your rent, utility and medical bills
5. Get a decision. Most decisions come within 30 days. If your household has very little money, you may get benefits within 7 days.

Free help is available from SNAP Navigators in each county (NJSNAPNavigators.gov). You should never be asked to pay for help. Do not answer texts or letters you did not expect that ask for your personal information.

After you apply

• Renewals: older and disabled households usually renew every 24 months. Watch your mail for renewal forms.
• Changes: tell your County Social Service Agency if your income, address or household changes.
• If you are denied or get less than you expected, your notice tells you how to ask for a fair hearing and the deadline. Ask your County Social Service Agency or a SNAP Navigator for help.

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

This program gives people 60 and older benefits to buy fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables and herbs from approved farmers.

• Income: gross income at or below $29,526 a year for one person, or $40,034 for two.
• How to apply: contact the agency that runs the program in your county. Some examples: Atlantic (609) 645-7700, Bergen (201) 336-7400, Camden 856-858-3220, Essex 973-395-8375, Hudson (201) 369-5280, Mercer (609) 989-6661, Middlesex 732-745-3295, Monmouth 732-431-7450, Ocean (732) 929-2181, Union (908) 527-4870. Jersey City and Paterson have their own agencies. The NJ Department of Health lists every county on its Senior Farmers Market page.
• The benefit amount and season are set each year. Ask your county agency.

Free help

• County Area Agency on Aging: 1-877-222-3737. It can also tell you about senior meal programs in your county.
• SNAP Navigators: NJSNAPNavigators.gov.
• Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116.

See also SSI and all benefits in New Jersey.

Phone numbers: Free help lines for New Jersey agencies

Check what you may qualify for