1. Fill out an application

You can complete a NJ SNAP application at your local county office or online at njhelps.gov. To learn where you can apply in-person in your county, click here county board of social services.

2. Have a phone or in-person interview

In most cases, the county has 30 days after you turn in your application to determine if you will get NJ SNAP. During the 30 days, the county will interview you. The interview will be either over the phone or in person. During the interview, the county will go over your application with you.

3. Submit verifications

Proof Needed to Get Benefits

You will need the following for everyone in your household who is applying:

• A valid ID (i.e. driver’s license, birth certificate, government ID)
• Proof of where you live (i.e. lease, rental agreement, utility bill)
  *Unless you are experiencing homelessness
• Proof of earned income (i.e. paystubs, employer letter, recent tax records)
• Proof of unearned income (benefits award letter)
• Proof of resources (i.e. bank statements)
• Social Security Number
• Proof of immigration status (for non-citizens)
• Proof of student status (for college students)

You can get more benefits by providing:

• Housing costs (i.e. rent receipt, mortgage statement, property tax bills)
• Phone and utility costs
• Medical expenses for anyone in your household 60+ or disabled 
• Child and adult care costs
• Child support paid by a person in your household

How soon are benefits available?

• Within 30 days
• If you need help sooner, you may qualify to receive your benefits within 7 days. If you and your household:

• Have less than $150 in monthly income and less than $100 in liquid resources (cash, savings, or checking); OR
• Have housing costs that are more than its monthly income and liquid resources; OR
• You or someone in your household is a migrant or seasonal farm worker with less than $100 on hand.