Welcome to BenefitKarma, New Jerseyans!

If you’re new here, we want to connect you with information that will empower you and your loved ones on the benefits journey. We know government benefits, insurance, and healthcare can feel overwhelming — with legal jargon, paperwork, and deadlines — but BenefitKarma simplifies it all in easy-to-understand language.  

Our platform offers helpful tools, calculators, and educational resources so you can take control of your benefits journey at your own pace. The best way to stay informed is to sign up for BenefitKarma — it’s free, and you’ll get exclusive content and benefits updates straight to your inbox.  

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We’re building a new way to help you discover benefits and resources personalized for you. Stay tuned!  

Wondering what’s available to you in New Jersey? Here’s a list that’ll give you a head start. 

Health & Disability

1. New Jersey FamilyCare (Medicaid)
   FamilyCare offers no- or low-cost health insurance for qualifying low-income individuals and families. It covers doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, mental health services, and preventive care. Most services are free, with minimal co-pays based on income. Coverage is available to adults, children, pregnant people, and immigrant populations. Learn more about how Medicaid works. 

2. NJ WorkAbility
   Part of New Jersey’s commitment to supporting working residents with disabilities, NJ WorkAbility allows individuals to earn income while keeping full Medicaid coverage. It includes access to doctors, specialists, therapies, and personal care—often with little or no out-of-pocket costs. There are no asset limits, and premiums are minimal or waived for many. Learn more in our Official Guide to Worker and Employee Benefits.

3. Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI)
   If you’re unable to work due to a non-job-related illness, injury, or pregnancy, TDI provides weekly cash payments for up to 26 weeks. In 2025, you can receive up to 85% of your average wage, capped at $1,081 per week. There’s a short waiting period, and eligibility is based on recent earnings history. Learn more about TDI.

4. Family Leave Insurance (FLI)
   FLI provides paid time off to care for a seriously ill loved one or bond with a newborn or newly adopted child. You can receive up to 12 weeks of paid leave—or 56 intermittent days—at 85% of your pay (up to $1,081/week). Available to most New Jersey workers, including part-time employees.

5. Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund
   This program helps families pay large medical expenses for a child with a serious illness or condition. It can cover services not fully paid for by insurance—like hospital stays, home nursing, or medical equipment. There’s no strict cap on the amount families can receive, and eligibility is based on income and expense ratios. Read our helpful guide on Benefits for Children to learn more about getting the full support your family needs.

Nutritional & Food Assistance

1. NJ SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
   SNAP offers monthly benefits to help low-income residents buy groceries. Funds are loaded onto an EBT card and can be used at grocery stores and farmers markets. Monthly benefit amounts range from around $23 to $973 depending on household income and size. Emergency allotments or expanded eligibility may be available during hardship periods. Learn more about how SNAP works.

2. WIC (Women, Infants & Children)
   WIC supports pregnant individuals, postpartum parents, and children up to age 5 with healthy food, nutrition counseling, breastfeeding support, and healthcare referrals. Monthly food benefits typically range from $30 to $112, covering items like milk, cereal, formula, fruits, and vegetables.

3. School Breakfast & Lunch Programs
   Eligible students can receive free or reduced-price meals at school. Breakfast is free or capped at $0.30; lunch at $0.40. Families with lower incomes can apply at any time during the school year. These programs ensure children receive balanced meals to support learning and development. Explore all the government food programs you and your family may be eligible for.

4. The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
   TEFAP provides free groceries—including canned goods, fresh produce, pasta, and more—through food banks and community agencies. No long-term enrollment is required, and food is distributed based on income eligibility and need. It helps cover immediate hunger and nutrition gaps. Learn more on TEFAP.

Income & Employment

1. TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
   Known in New Jersey as WorkFirst NJ, this program provides monthly cash support to low-income families with children. Payments vary based on household size—from about $185/month for a single adult to around $559/month for a family of three. TANF also connects families to job training, child care help, and housing support. Get started now by understanding how TANF works.

2. Unemployment Insurance
   If you lose your job through no fault of your own, you may qualify for temporary income support. In 2025, benefits range from $100 to $830 per week, for up to 26 weeks. You must be actively seeking new work, and recent earnings history will determine your benefit amount.

3. SSI & SSDI (Supplemental Security Income & Social Security Disability Insurance)
   SSI provides monthly payments to people with limited income who are elderly or disabled. In New Jersey, individuals may receive $914 to $1,371 per month from federal SSI, plus a small state supplement. SSDI supports people with qualifying work history who become disabled, and it can lead to Medicare eligibility after two years. If you’re approved for SSDI, you might also be eligible for back pay — a lump sum of missed benefits from the time your disability began. Learn more in our guide: SSDI Back Pay: How It Works & When You Get It.

Family & Education

1. Universal Pre-K (UPK)
   New Jersey offers free full-day pre-K to children ages 3 and 4 in participating school districts. This program prepares kids for kindergarten with early learning experiences in a structured classroom setting. Space is limited in some districts, so apply early.

2. Child Care Assistance Program
   Low-income families can get help covering child care costs while working, attending school, or participating in job training. The program can pay up to 90% of expenses, depending on income and family size. Parents can choose licensed centers, home-based care, or approved relatives. If you're caring for or are a foster youth navigating childcare and schooling, there are additional supports available just for you. Learn more in our guide: Education Benefits for Foster Youth.

3. Tuition Aid Grant (TAG)
   TAG offers grants to eligible low- and middle-income New Jersey residents attending college full-time at approved in-state schools. Awards can be up to $14,000 per year, depending on income, tuition costs, and enrollment status. Funds do not need to be repaid. You may also be able to lower your overall costs through education-related tax credits, like the Lifetime Learning Credit, which many students overlook but can make a real difference.

4. Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF)
   EOF helps students from educationally and economically disadvantaged backgrounds succeed in college. Support includes academic tutoring, mentoring, and financial assistance—often between $200 and $2,500 per year. The program is available at many New Jersey colleges and universities.

Housing & Essentials

1. Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)
   Section 8 helps low-income individuals and families afford safe rental housing. The program pays a portion of your rent—often up to 70%—based on your income and local housing costs. Participants find their own housing and pay a portion of rent directly to the landlord.

2. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
   LIHEAP offers seasonal help with heating and cooling bills, providing one-time payments between $300 and $1,500 based on income, fuel type, and family size. The program also includes emergency assistance if you're at risk of disconnection. See if you qualify for LIHEAP.

3. Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
   WAP offers free home upgrades to improve energy efficiency and lower utility bills. Typical improvements include insulation, window sealing, and heating system repairs. The average value of services per household is around $7,000, and all work is performed by certified contractors. Discover how the weatherization programs works and find utility assistance options.

4. Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP)
   HPP provides short-term rental or mortgage assistance to families and individuals facing eviction or foreclosure. Support may cover several months of rent or back payments to help stabilize housing while long-term solutions are found.

Military & Veterans

1. Veterans Benefits Bureau
   The New Jersey Veterans Benefits Bureau helps connect veterans with VA healthcare, pensions, disability compensation, and housing services. Advisors assist with filing claims, navigating appeals, and finding the support you’re entitled to as a service member or veteran. Explore veteran housing assistance programs to find stable housing after service.  

2. Veterans Tuition Credit Program
   Eligible veterans attending approved New Jersey colleges and universities may receive up to $1,200 per year to offset tuition costs. This benefit can supplement the GI Bill and other education aid.

3. Blind Veterans Pension
   Veterans who are legally blind receive a state-funded pension of $750/month in addition to federal disability payments. This benefit supports veterans living with vision loss due to service or age-related conditions. Read more on VA pensions here.

4. Veterans Property Tax Deduction
   New Jersey offers an annual $250 property tax deduction for eligible veterans and their surviving spouses. This can help reduce housing costs for military families and retirees who own their homes. Learn what other military and veteran benefits might be available to you in our simple guide.