Special SNAP Services in New Jersey

New Jersey provides several special SNAP services for residents in specific situations. These programs offer temporary aid after disasters, job training, and food assistance for children during school breaks.

Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)

D-SNAP offers food aid after a federally declared disaster. It provides a one-month EBT benefit to households that lost food, income, or property. The program uses more flexible financial rules than regular SNAP.

Eligibility extends to residents in the approved disaster area who had disaster-related expenses or food loss. This includes many people who would not normally qualify for SNAP benefits based on income.

When authorized, the state posts application details. Applicants must provide ID and proof of residence. You can find dates, locations, and online options on the D-SNAP information page.

SNAP Employment & Training (E&T)

The SNAP Employment & Training program is a voluntary service. It helps SNAP recipients build job skills through vocational courses, apprenticeships, and GED or ESL classes. It also provides job-search coaching.

Support services like transportation or child-care reimbursements are also available. The program is open to SNAP participants age 16 or older who are able and willing to work and not receiving WFNJ/TANF.

To enroll, ask your County Social Service Agency for a referral. You can also call the agency listed on the state's training page for an assessment.

Special One-Time Food Assistance (Way2Go card)

New Jersey issued a special one-time food benefit to assist families with school-age children. This payment was intended to offset September food costs for those who missed other pandemic-related food aid.

Eligible households had children certified for free or reduced-price school meals as of June and did not receive another food benefit for that month. Each child received $99.62 on a Way2Go Mastercard.

No application was necessary as the state mailed cards automatically. Families activate the card by phone, app, or online. More details are available on the special assistance page.

Summer EBT (Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer for Children)

Summer EBT provides food benefits during summer break. The program aims to reduce hunger for children who lose access to free or reduced-price school meals when school is not in session.

Children are eligible if their household qualifies for free or reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch or Breakfast Programs. This includes many families already enrolled in SNAP.

Benefits are issued automatically to eligible students based on school information. Families not yet certified can apply for free or reduced-price meals through their school. Find program details online.

How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in New Jersey

Once you are approved for SNAP, you need to know how to use your benefits, including what you can buy and where.

What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?

An Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card is how you receive and spend your SNAP benefits. It functions much like a debit card. The state deposits your monthly food assistance funds directly onto this card.

When you shop at an authorized store, you swipe your card at the checkout terminal and enter a Personal Identification Number (PIN). The purchase amount is then deducted from your SNAP account balance.

What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?

SNAP benefits are intended for purchasing household groceries. The program allows you to buy a wide range of food items that form the basis of a healthy diet, helping you and your family prepare meals at home. Eligible items generally include:

• Fruits and vegetables

• Meat, poultry, and fish

• Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt

• Breads and cereals

• Other foods such as snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages

• Seeds and plants which produce food for the household to eat

It is also important to know the restrictions. SNAP funds cannot be used for non-food goods, alcoholic beverages, or foods that are sold hot and ready to eat. These items must be paid for separately and include things like:

• Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, or tobacco

• Vitamins, medicines, and supplements

• Live animals (except for shellfish, fish removed from water, and animals slaughtered before sale)

• Hot foods at the point-of-sale

• Non-food items such as pet foods, cleaning supplies, paper products, and cosmetics

Where Can You Use Your EBT Card?

You can use your EBT card at most stores that sell groceries, including large supermarkets and smaller neighborhood corner stores. Look for a sign indicating that SNAP or EBT payments are accepted. Simply swipe your card and enter your PIN at checkout to pay.

Many farmers’ markets also accept EBT, providing access to fresh, local produce. It is a good practice to confirm with the market manager or look for signs at vendor stalls, as not all vendors may be equipped to process EBT payments.

Online grocery shopping is another option. A growing number of retailers, including major ones like Amazon and Walmart, accept EBT for eligible food purchases for delivery or pickup. Note that SNAP funds cannot be used to pay for delivery fees.

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