General Assistance in NJ: Cash Help for Adults Without Children
General Assistance in New Jersey: Help for Adults Without Children
Many people assume that New Jersey cash assistance is only available to parents with children. That is not the case.
New Jersey has a program specifically for eligible single adults and couples without dependent children. It is called Work First New Jersey/General Assistance, or WFNJ/GA.
General Assistance provides temporary monthly cash assistance while also connecting eligible adults with employment, training, transportation, housing, and other support services.
General Assistance at a Glance
| Program Feature | WFNJ/General Assistance |
|---|---|
| Who it generally serves | Eligible single adults and couples without dependent children |
| Main benefit | Monthly cash assistance |
| Resource limit | Generally $2,000 or less |
| Standard work requirement | 30 hours per week for participants who are required to work |
| Time limit | Generally 60 cumulative months of WFNJ cash assistance |
| Benefit delivery | Families First EBT card |
| Other possible help | Employment services, training, transportation, work expenses, and emergency housing assistance |
| Where to apply | MyNJHelps or a County Social Service Agency |
Who Is General Assistance For?
General Assistance is the WFNJ program intended for adults who do not have dependent children in their assistance unit.
It may include:
- A single adult living alone
- A single adult living with roommates
- A married couple without dependent children
- An unmarried couple applying together when they are treated as one assistance unit
- An adult who cannot currently work because of a qualifying physical or mental condition
If you have a dependent child, WFNJ/TANF may be the appropriate cash-assistance program instead.
You do not need to decide this perfectly before applying. Your County Social Service Agency will review your household and determine which WFNJ program applies.
What Are the Basic Eligibility Rules?
General Assistance is a need-based program.
The county considers factors such as:
- New Jersey residency
- Citizenship or qualifying immigration status
- Income
- Bank accounts and other resources
- Employment
- Social Security numbers
- Household composition
- Ability to work
Resources with cash value, such as money in bank accounts, bonds, or property other than your primary residence, generally must total $2,000 or less.
There is not one simple income limit that applies to every GA applicant. New Jersey uses different financial rules depending partly on whether the applicant is classified as employable or unemployable.
If you are unsure whether your income is too high, it is usually better to apply and allow the county to make the official calculation.
How Much Does General Assistance Pay?
The maximum benefit depends partly on whether the county determines that the adult is employable or unemployable.
| GA Household | Employable Maximum Monthly Benefit | Unemployable Maximum Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Single adult | $185 | $277 |
| Couple | $254 | $382 |
These are maximum payment levels, not guaranteed amounts. Countable income and other circumstances may reduce the actual benefit.
Being classified as "unemployable" for GA purposes is an eligibility determination made under WFNJ rules. It does not necessarily mean that someone has been found permanently disabled by Social Security.
Are There Work Requirements?
Yes, for many GA recipients.
Adults who are required to participate generally must spend 30 hours per week in employment or approved work activities.
You and your case manager may create a plan involving activities such as:
- Paid employment
- Job search
- Job-readiness programs
- Education
- Vocational training
- Work experience
- Other approved employment activities
WFNJ may also help with certain costs needed to participate, including transportation, uniforms, books, or supplies.
Failing to participate in required activities without an approved reason can reduce or eventually end GA benefits.
What If You Cannot Work?
Tell your County Social Service Agency if a medical condition, disability, pregnancy, caregiving responsibility, family violence, or another serious circumstance limits your ability to participate.
Some recipients may be temporarily or permanently excused from normal work requirements.
The county may request medical records or other documentation before approving a deferral.
Do not simply miss a required work activity. Contact your worker and explain the situation as soon as possible.
Is There a Time Limit?
Yes.
Most adults may receive a total of 60 cumulative months of Work First New Jersey cash assistance during their lifetime.
Importantly, TANF and GA do not have completely separate 60-month clocks. Months in either WFNJ cash-assistance program may count toward the same lifetime total for an adult recipient.
If you stop receiving cash assistance because you begin working, the clock stops while you are off assistance.
Some people may qualify for continued assistance beyond the normal limit, including certain people with permanent disabilities, adults over age 60, full-time caregivers of family members with disabilities, people determined chronically unemployable, and people affected by family violence.
Can General Assistance Help With Housing?
Possibly.
People receiving WFNJ may qualify for Emergency Assistance, or EA, if they meet additional requirements and are experiencing a serious housing emergency.
Emergency Assistance may help when someone:
- Is homeless
- Is about to become homeless
- Is facing eviction or foreclosure
- Has received an essential utility shutoff notice
Depending on the situation, assistance may include:
- Emergency shelter
- Motel placement
- Temporary rental assistance
- Back rent
- Certain utility payments
- Security or utility deposits
- Moving expenses
Emergency Assistance is separate from the regular monthly GA payment and is not automatic.
If you are facing homelessness or another housing emergency, tell your County Social Service Agency immediately.
How Do You Apply for General Assistance?
You can apply through MyNJHelps or through the County Social Service Agency serving the county where you live.
The process generally includes:
- Submit the WFNJ application.
- Complete a telephone or in-person interview.
- Provide requested verification documents.
- Wait for the county's eligibility decision.
Documents may include:
- Identification
- Proof of New Jersey residency
- Pay stubs or other income records
- Benefit award letters
- Bank statements
- Social Security number
- Immigration documents for noncitizens who are applying
If you are experiencing homelessness, normal proof-of-address requirements may not apply.
Do not wait to apply because you are missing a document. Submit the application and let the eligibility worker tell you what additional verification is required.
In most cases, the county has up to 30 days after receiving the application to determine whether you qualify for GA.
What If You Need Help Immediately?
Every WFNJ applicant is evaluated for immediate need.
Tell the county if you currently lack or are about to lose:
- Shelter
- Essential utilities
- Food
- Necessary clothing
Depending on your circumstances, assistance may be available before the normal application process is completed.
Can You Receive SNAP and General Assistance Together?
Yes.
General Assistance provides cash assistance, while NJ SNAP provides money specifically for eligible food purchases.
A person may qualify for both programs at the same time.
When completing MyNJHelps, check whether you may also qualify for SNAP and other assistance instead of applying only for GA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is General Assistance only for homeless people?
No. Homeless adults may qualify, but homelessness is not required. GA is for eligible single adults and couples without dependent children who meet the program's financial and other requirements.
Do I need children to receive cash assistance in New Jersey?
No. Families with dependent children generally use WFNJ/TANF, while eligible single adults and couples without dependent children may receive WFNJ/GA.
Can I receive GA if I have a disability?
Possibly. Tell the county about your medical condition. Different GA payment and work rules may apply if you are determined unable to work.
Can I get SNAP while receiving GA?
Yes. If you meet the eligibility requirements for both programs, you may receive both cash assistance and SNAP food benefits.
Where should I apply?
Apply through MyNJHelps or contact your County Social Service Agency. If you are not sure whether TANF or GA applies to you, submit the WFNJ application and let the county determine the correct program.