Documents Needed for Cash Assistance in New Jersey
What Documents Do You Need to Apply for Cash Assistance in New Jersey?
When you apply for Work First New Jersey, or WFNJ, your County Social Service Agency will ask for documents that verify the information in your application.
This applies whether you are seeking WFNJ/TANF for a family with dependent children or General Assistance (GA) as an eligible adult or couple without dependent children.
You do not need to have every document before you apply. New Jersey specifically tells applicants to submit the application even if some paperwork is missing. An eligibility worker can tell you what additional verification is needed.
Cash-Assistance Document Checklist
| What You Need to Verify | Examples of Documents or Information |
|---|---|
| Identity | Driver's license, birth certificate, state or government ID |
| Where you live | Lease, rental agreement, utility bill |
| Household members | Names, birth dates, Social Security numbers, relationships to you |
| Earned income | Pay stubs, employer letter, recent tax records |
| Unearned income | Social Security, SSI, unemployment, pension, disability, child-support, or other benefit statements |
| Resources | Bank statements and information about other assets with cash value |
| Housing expenses | Rent or mortgage information, property taxes, and utility costs when applicable |
| Immigration status | Immigration documentation for noncitizens who are applying |
| Child support | Information about the other parent, court orders, or payment records when applicable |
The exact documents your county requests depend on your household and the programs you are applying for.
1. Proof of Identity
You should have identification for each household member who is applying for assistance.
Examples include:
- Driver's license
- State or government-issued ID
- Birth certificate
- Other official identification accepted by the county
A birth certificate can also help verify a child's age or relationship to the applicant when the county needs that information.
2. Proof of Where You Live
WFNJ applicants generally must show that they live in New Jersey.
Possible documents include:
- Lease
- Rental agreement
- Utility bill
- Other document showing your current address
If you are experiencing homelessness, you are not required to provide the usual proof of where you live.
Tell your eligibility worker about your housing situation so the county can explain what information it needs instead.
3. Information About Everyone in Your Household
Be ready to provide information about the people applying with you.
This may include:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Social Security number
- Relationship to the applicant
- Citizenship or immigration information when applicable
- School information for children when requested
The WFNJ application also asks about other people living in the home even when they are not applying for benefits, so make sure your household information is complete.
4. Proof of Earned Income
Report income received from work by anyone whose income must be included in the application.
Useful documents include:
- Recent pay stubs
- Employer letter
- Recent tax records
- Self-employment records
- Records of income from temporary work, odd jobs, babysitting, or another source
The application may ask how many hours you work, how often you are paid, and your gross income before deductions.
If your hours or pay change from week to week, tell the eligibility worker.
5. Proof of Unearned Income
You must also report money that does not come from employment.
Depending on your household, this may include:
- Social Security
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Unemployment benefits
- Workers' compensation
- Disability payments
- Pension or retirement income
- Veterans benefits
- Child support
- Alimony
- Interest or dividends
- Rental income
- Regular financial support from another person
- Other benefit or award payments
Benefit award letters, payment records, or official statements can be used to verify these sources.
6. Proof of Resources
WFNJ also considers resources, or things with cash value.
Have information available about resources such as:
- Checking accounts
- Savings accounts
- Cash
- Stocks or bonds
- Certificates of deposit
- Certain retirement or investment accounts
- Property other than your primary residence
- Other assets with cash value
Bank statements are one of the most common forms of verification.
Do not leave out an account because it has only a small balance. Report the resource and let the county decide whether and how it counts.
7. Housing and Utility Expenses
Have your housing information available, especially if you are applying for General Assistance, Emergency Assistance, SNAP at the same time, or reporting a housing crisis.
Documents may include:
- Lease or rent statement
- Rent receipt
- Mortgage statement
- Property-tax bill
- Homeowner's insurance information
- Electric bill
- Gas or heating bill
- Water or sewer bill
- Other utility bills
- Eviction, foreclosure, or utility shutoff notice if you have an emergency
The WFNJ application asks about changes in shelter costs and includes detailed shelter information for certain benefit programs.
If you are homeless, facing eviction, or about to lose essential utilities, tell the county immediately because you may also need to be evaluated for immediate need or Emergency Assistance.
8. Immigration Documents, When Applicable
WFNJ requires applicants to be U.S. citizens or qualified noncitizens.
If a household member who is applying is not a U.S. citizen, the county may request immigration documentation showing that person's status.
Have available, when applicable:
- Permanent resident card or other immigration document
- Immigration registration number
- Documents showing refugee, asylum, parole, or another qualifying status
- Other documentation requested by the County Social Service Agency
The county may verify immigration status with federal immigration records.
Ask your eligibility worker if you are unsure which document applies to your status.
9. Child-Support Information for TANF Families
If you are requesting TANF cash assistance for a dependent child, you generally must cooperate with New Jersey's child-support requirements.
The county may ask for information about the child's other parent.
Bring or write down as much of the following as you reasonably know:
- Full name
- Current or last-known address
- Date of birth
- Social Security number, if known
- Employer or workplace, if known
- Existing child-support court orders
- Other information that may help locate the parent
If someone in your household is legally required to pay child support for a child outside the household, also have records such as:
- Child-support court order
- Case or court-order number
- Recent payment records
- Amount normally paid
What If Child-Support Cooperation Could Be Unsafe?
Tell your eligibility worker if contacting or providing information about the other parent could place you or your child at risk.
New Jersey has good-cause and family-violence protections for certain situations. Do not put yourself at risk because you believe you must handle the issue alone.
What If You Are Missing Documents?
Apply anyway.
You should not delay your WFNJ application simply because you cannot find a bank statement, birth certificate, pay stub, or another document.
After reviewing your application and completing the interview, the county will tell you what additional verification is required and give you instructions for submitting it.
Waiting until every document is perfect can unnecessarily delay the application.
How Do You Submit Your Documents?
If you apply through MyNJHelps, you can upload supporting documents through your online account.
If you originally applied in person, you may also be able to link your existing case to MyNJHelps and upload documents.
You can also contact your County Social Service Agency for instructions on submitting paperwork.
Before submitting:
- Make sure the entire document is visible.
- Check that names, dates, account balances, and dollar amounts can be read.
- Include every requested page.
- Keep a copy of everything you submit.
- Write down when you submitted each document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need every document before I apply?
No. New Jersey specifically says you should still apply even if you do not have everything. Your eligibility worker will tell you what additional verification is needed.
Do I need immigration documents for everyone in my household?
Immigration documentation is relevant for noncitizens who are applying for WFNJ. Ask your county if you have household members who are not applying and you are unsure what information must be provided.
Do I need proof of rent and utilities?
The county may request housing information depending on the benefits you are seeking and your circumstances. It is especially useful to have these records if you are applying for GA, SNAP, Emergency Assistance, or reporting a housing emergency.
What if I cannot get a document the county requests?
Contact your eligibility worker before the deadline. Explain what you are unable to obtain and ask whether another type of verification can be used.
Where can I get help with my documents?
Contact the County Social Service Agency serving the county where you live. The county can explain which documents are still needed and how to submit them.