Information about the Federal Government Shutdown

New Jersey was notified by the federal government that if the shutdown continues, November 2025 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits may not be available on time.

It is unclear if SNAP benefits loaded on your Families First EBT card prior to October 31, 2025 will be able to be used after November 1, 2025.

Work First New Jersey (WFNJ) benefits should be available on time.

Click here ontinue to for ongoing updates on how the federal shutdown may impact your SNAP and WFNJ benefits.​​

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SNAP and other Benefit Assistance:

• Get SNAP– click here for information and the “SNAP Navigator.”  

• Or speak to the IFPO Registration Team to learn when SNAP Navigators will be onsite at IFPO to help. 

• Essex County residents who want to apply for SNAP food assistance, cash assistance, or NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid can also visit NJHelps.org.​

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Other Help:

Community FoodBank of NJ Resource Access Team can help with SNAP. They can also make direct referrals to other agencies and submit your contact information, which they can track and help with follow-up. Call 908-838-4831, Monday through Friday 8 am -5pm. Or click here to schedule an appointment online

Input “IFPO” for the “Referring Agency Name”/“Which agency referred you to CFBNJ?”.

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To find out what other food assistance programs you may be eligible for, including WIC for women and children under 5, free or reduced school meals, or the commodity supplemental food program for adults 60 years of age and over, visit www.nj211.org/njsnap to find more information and resources. You can speak to the IFPO Registration team during  pantry hours to connect with a WIC representative about accessing WIC benefits.

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Utility Help

Help with Energy Bill (electric and gas): You may be eligible for assistance through the LIHEAP (Low income home energy assistance program). Information here.

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Need help paying your water or sewer bill?  Although LIHWAP (Low income household water assistance program) is currently closed to new applications, visit DCAID Survey to see if you may be eligible for other DCA (NJ Department of Community Affairs) programs. 

 

Health Coverage for Kids- NJ FamilyCare

​Contact NJ Citizen Action, a statewide advocacy organization, if you need information or help applying for your children.

 

As of January 1, 2023, all state residents under the age of 19 qualify for health insurance coverage in New Jersey. Through its “Cover All Kids” program, the state has expanded NJ FamilyCare to every uninsured child in the state. Coverage may be through Medicaid or Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), depending on the family’s income. CHIP provides health coverage to children and families with incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid, but who still can't afford private coverage.

 

Immigration status does not matter. All children are eligible, and use of the program will not be considered a “public charge” that might affect the family’s chances to apply for a green card. NJ FamilyCare will cover the care needed to keep kids healthy, including well child visits, vaccinations (shots), and dental exams. It will also pay any costs if a child gets sick or injured. 

 

NJ Citizen Action, is a statewide advocacy organization. Contact them if you need information or help applying for your children.

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