FOOD STAMPS
The Non-Public Assistance (NPA) Food Stamp Program provides a supplemental food allowance, in the form of coupons, to low income families, within the operational guidelines of the U. S. Department of Agriculture, Food & Nutrition Services. This office establishes eligibility and continuing eligibility for persons who apply for the program, and issues Food Stamp benefits.
To see if you may qualify click on NJ Helps.ORG.
THIS OFFICE PROVIDES THE FOLLOWING SERVICES:
Determines initial and continuing eligibility for participation in the Food Stamp Program under the supervision of the New Jersey State Department of Public Welfare, Bureau of Food Stamps.
Operates Outreach sites strategically located throughout the county where clients and prospective clients may go for their interviews to determine eligibility.
Conducts an Employment and Training Program under the guidance of the Public Welfare's Office of Economic Self Sufficiency to promote maximum independence where possible.
Food stamps are coupons which are used to purchase food and seeds at stores (licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture; Food and Nutrition Service) that accept them. They cannot be used to purchase tobacco, alcoholic beverages, or things that are not for human consumption.
The Food Stamp Program is run by the Board of Social Services, however, the United States Department of Agriculture pays almost all the cost.
ALLOWABLE INCOME
EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1ST, 2008
This table is applicable to households which do not contain a member who is sixty years of age or over or who receives SSI or SSA disability benefits.
The chart below shows the maximum monthly allowable gross income.
MAXIMUM MONTHLY ALLOWABLE GROSS INCOME STANDARDS
| household size | maximum monthly allowable income |
| 1 | $1127.00 |
| 2 | $1517.00 |
| 3 | $1907.00 |
| 4 | $2297.00 |
| 5 | $2687.00 |
| 6 | $3077.00 |
| 7 | $3467.00 |
| 8 | $3857.00 |
| more than 8 | add $390 for each person |
HOUSEHOLDS WITH ELDERLY
OR DISABLED MEMBERS
Your household may qualify for extra food stamp benefits if you or someone in your household is 60 or older, or receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or receives disability payments under the Social Security Act: AND that person has medical expenses over $35 a month, or your household has high shelter costs.
The chart below shows the maximum monthly allowable standards.
MAXIMUM MONTHLY ALLOWABLE NET INCOME STANDARD
|
household size |
maximum allowable income after deductions |
| 1 | $867.00 |
| 2 | $1167.00 |
| 3 | $1467.00 |
| 4 | $1767.00 |
| 5 | $2067.00 |
| 6 | $2367.00 |
| 7 | $2667.00 |
| 8 | $2967.00 |
| more than 8 | add $300 for each person |
WHAT ARE RESOURCES, HOW MANY CAN YOU HAVE?
Resources are things you own, including checking and savings accounts. Some other resources such as the home you live in, certain automobiles (such as a handicap equipped vehicle), and personal belongings. Household goods are not counted at all.
Life Insurance policies and most pension funds are not counted at all.
Each household can have up to $2000 in resources and still qualify for food stamps.
Households with a person over 60 years of age can have up to $3000.
Some household members must register for work.
This does not apply, however, if you are already working or you are unable to work, are under 18 or over 60 or you have to take care of a child under 6 or an adult who is home-bound.
Post High School students must be employed a minimum of 20 hours per week in order to receive Food Stamps.
To see if you may qualify click on NJ Helps.ORG.