Last Updated on January 31, 2024 by Lori Pace
New Jersey is home to a population of 9 million people, yet the poverty rate in the state is 11.1%. This means that over 1 million New Jersey residents are living below the poverty line and struggle to meet their basic needs. New Jersey is a relatively affordable place to live, despite its close proximity to New York. This has had little impact and help on the lives of single mothers, who require more than just affordability to live in the state of New Jersey.
There are many assistance programs available in New Jersey, particularly for single mothers. We will list the single mother programs in New Jersey that can be applied for.
New Jersey Work First Program
New Jersey Work First Program provides employment and educational services for the less fortunate members of the community that wish to be self-sufficient. Single mothers can get a cash loan for the basics they need. You can contact the Division of Family Development at 1-800-792-9773 if you’d like to apply for this program.
NJ Family Care Program
NJ Family Care, a federally funded health insurance program, promotes good health within the communities in the state. Single mothers who don’t have coverage through their employer can apply. 1-800-701-0701.
New Jersey Care for Kids
The state of New Jersey subsidies are available to help single mothers who are employed and need childcare services for their children. Call the Child Care Helpline at 1-800-332-9227 if you have children under 13 years old.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
WIC is a federal program that’s available in many different states. The program was created to help pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding. Women who apply for this program can receive assistance with food, healthcare, and counseling. You can call the Family Health Line at 1-800-328-3838 for more information on the WIC program nearest to you.
Family Leave Insurance
New Jersey’s Temporary Disability Benefits Law includes the Family Leave Insurance Program, which was designed to provide cash assistance to new mothers. This benefit can be enjoyed for up to six weeks. Call 609-777-3200 for more information about how to take advantage of this program.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in New Jersey, aims to meet the food requirements of low-income families. The program works by providing electronic benefits that you can use to buy food. This program, also known as the Food Stamp Program, is only open to applicants who meet income and work requirements. You can apply by calling SNAP’s Hotline at 1-800-687-951.
New Jersey Earned Income Tax Credit (NJEITC)
NJEITC aims to support the federal EITC. This is an income tax credit available to single mothers and low-income residents who work in the state. This program reduces tax owed and allows you to get a refund even if you don’t owe any tax. The program is available to most residents of the state, provided they qualify for the federal EITC.
You can receive up to 37 percent of your federal benefit through the state EITC if you work. If you get $3000 from the federal EITC, you’ll receive $1100 in NJEITC.
Rental Assistance
Rental Assistance in New Jersey, funded by the State, is designed to provide housing subsidies for residents with low incomes: single mothers, the elderly, the disabled, and families with young children.
The applicants must meet the income requirements of the county in which they reside and provide proof of residency to be eligible. Applicants must also have lived in the State for six months prior to applying for the program. There is a period of enrollment. You will be put on a waitlist if you are selected. Call them for more information through 609-633-6157
Head Start
Head Start, a federally funded program in New Jersey was created to promote the social, emotional, and cognitive development of children from birth until age five. The program is available to low-income families in New Jersey and to single mothers. Call 866-763-648 to find a program in your area.
Legal Assistance
Many pro-bono organizations in New Jersey offer free civil legal services to single mothers. Attorneys can review their rights in regard to taxes, housing, and other matters. Single moms who want to apply can contact New Jersey Legal Services at 888-576-5529.
New Jersey SHARES
New Jersey SHARES provides energy assistance to households that do not qualify for LIHEAP, and whose income is not more than 400% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Income and household size determine eligibility. Applicants must show a temporary need for financial assistance and pay $100 or more in good faith within 90 days after applying for NJ SHARES.
New Jersey Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment benefits provide a safety net to those who have lost their job through no fault on their part. They can pay up to $804 in cash per week to those who are eligible. You must be able and available to work as well as actively looking for work in order to be eligible for unemployment.
First, file a claim before you can receive benefits. You can either claim online, or by phone at one of the three Reemployment Call Centers in New Jersey.
New Jersey Family Leave Insurance (FLI) Program
New Jersey was one of the first states to provide paid leave benefits to employees who needed to “take some time off” in order to bond with their newborn child or to care for a sick family member.
The NJ Family Leave Insurance Program allows for cash benefits of up to two-thirds of the amount of earned wages to be paid out over a period of 12 consecutive weeks. This is an increase of six (6) weeks from what employees had previously been entitled to. The maximum weekly benefit is now $903, which is 85% of the average weekly wage.
Bottom Line: Help For Single Mothers In New Jersey
There is a big variety to choose from when it comes to asking for assistance. The federal government and nonprofits work hard to support the community they are in, the best that they can. To learn more about other assistance offered to help single mothers in the state of New Jersey, visit these articles:
- Help With Bills in New Jersey
- Housing Assistance in New Jersey
- Rental Assistance in New Jersey
