Extra SNAP Benefits End in February, 2023

Every SNAP household will see a cut in SNAP benefits beginning in March.

During the pandemic, New Jersey gave every SNAP household extra benefits. February 2023 is the last month when this boost in benefits is available. Beginning March 1st, eligible households will receive their basic SNAP benefits only. Under “regular” SNAP rules, benefit amounts are based on household size, income and certain expenses. To offset some of this, starting in March, 2023, New Jersey will increase the minimum SNAP benefit to $95.00 per SNAP household.

To continue to receive all the SNAP you are eligible for, make sure you report if your income goes down or if you experience any increase in housing costs or expenses detailed below. You cannot get more than the maximum monthly benefit, even if you have high expenses.

Medical Expenses: If someone in your household is age 60 or older or has a disability, your benefit may go up if you share all your out-of-pocket medical costs, such as insurance premiums, medical equipment, and transportation. You will need to provide documentation of these expenses.

Child Care Expenses: If you pay for child or adult day care so that you can work, look for work, or attend school, your benefit may go up if you share all your out-of-pocket costs, including co-pays, afterschool care, and transportation. You can self-certify your child care costs.

If you need help with these deductions, call LSNJLAW^SM, Legal Services of New Jersey’s statewide, toll-free legal hotline, at 1-888-LSNJ-LAW (1-888-576-5529) for more information.

Other Resources

For Kids

School Meals

You can apply for free or reduced-price school meals at any time during the school year. Ask the food service director at your child’s school.

WIC

New Jersey WIC Services provides supplemental nutritious foods to pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age five.

WIC services include nutrition education and counseling, breastfeeding promotion and support, immunization screening, and health care referrals.

WIC service agencies are located throughout New Jersey. To learn more, visit the New Jersey Department of Health's WIC page or call 1-800-328-3838.

Child Care Meals and Summer Meals

The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and the summer meal programs provide nutritious meals and snacks to eligible participants enrolled for care at participating day care centers and day care homes.

For more information, call (609) 984-1250 to speak with the Nutrition Program Specialist for your county area.

For Senior Citizens

Meals on Wheels and Congregate Meals

Meals on Wheels delivers prepared meals to your home. Congregate meals, open at senior centers, offer a place to enjoy a meal in a group setting where you can meet new people or sit down and eat with friends. For more information, contact your area Agency on Aging. You can find a directory of agencies at Aging & Disability Resource Connection/Area Agency on Aging (ADRC/AAA) (from the NJ Department of Human Services), or call 1-877-222-3737.

For Everyone

Food Pantries

Dial 2-1-1 to find a food pantry or meal site in your area. 211 may be able to connect you with other kinds of resources in your community. See Food Pantries and Soup Kitchens (from NJ 211) where you can also find a list of food pantries.

Other Benefits and Services that Can Help Pay Your Bills

Go to NJ DCAID to find out about programs such as fuel assistance, energy assistance, and phone assistance.

This information last reviewed: Feb 9, 2023