$140B
Government benefits go unclaimed every year in the U.S.
White House OMB, 2023
9M
Older adults are eligible for benefits but not enrolled
NCOA/Urban Institute, 2024
~100M
Americans receive some form of government assistance
U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, 2023
New Jersey Government Benefits Programs
Explore the main benefit programs available and find the ones that apply to your situation.
Available programs in New Jersey
SSDI in New Jersey - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
SSDI in New Jersey - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
SSDI is a benefit you already paid for through Social Security taxes on every paycheck. If a medical condition now keeps you from working, you may be owed a monthly payment based on your work history, not the severity of your condition. It is federal, so the rules are the same in New Jersey as everywhere else.
AVERAGE MONTHLY PAYMENT
$1,630
What the average disabled worker receives each month in 2026
SSA 2026 COLA Fact Sheet
HOW OFTEN CLAIMS ARE DENIED
2 in 3
About 2 in 3 initial disability claims are denied, and many applicants win benefits only on appeal, which is why getting it right matters
SSA Annual Statistical Report (DI), 2023
YOU CAN STILL WORK
$1,690/mo
The most you can earn from a job in 2026 and still qualify
SSA, 2026
Who qualifies
- Workers age 31 and older typically need to have worked at least 5 of the last 10 years and paid Social Security taxes
- People with a condition expected to last at least 12 months or be terminal
- The condition prevents substantial work, defined by the SSA's annual earnings limit (higher for people who are blind)
How to apply
The fastest way to apply is through Turnout. We handle the entire process for you, from the paperwork to every appeal. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
Does SSDI approval lead to other benefits in New Jersey?
Yes. After 24 months on SSDI, you become eligible for Medicare regardless of age. In New Jersey you may also qualify for NJ FamilyCare during the wait, since the state expanded Medicaid to adults up to 138 percent of the poverty level.
How long does SSDI take in New Jersey?
New Jersey processes initial medical claims through its Division of Disability Determination Services. An initial decision typically takes 3 to 6 months, with appeals taking a year or more if needed. The earlier you apply, the more back pay you may receive.
Can I work while applying?
Yes, as long as you stay under the SSA's monthly limit for substantial gainful activity. Going over that signals to the SSA that you're able to do substantial work.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
SSI in New Jersey - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with disabilities and limited income.
SSI in New Jersey - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with disabilities and limited income.
SSI is monthly cash for people who are struggling to get by. You can qualify if you're disabled, blind, or 65 or older, and have very little income and few assets. Unlike SSDI, you don't need a work history, it's based on need. New Jersey adds a state supplement on top of the federal payment, and getting SSI also opens the door to NJ FamilyCare.
MONTHLY MAXIMUM
$1,025
The combined federal plus New Jersey state SSI payment for one person living independently in 2026
SSA State Assistance Programs for SSI Recipients, 2026
SAVINGS YOU CAN KEEP
$2,000
The federal SSI resource limit. Your home and one car never count
SSA, 2026
WHO CAN QUALIFY
No work history
SSI is based on need, not your work record. People 65+, blind, or disabled can qualify
SSA, 2026
Who qualifies
- People who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older
- Those with very limited income
- Limited resources, with your home and one car not counting against the limit
How to apply
The fastest way to apply is through Turnout. SSI applications involve detailed financial records that trip people up, and one mistake can delay your case. We handle all of it for you. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
Will I get NJ FamilyCare with SSI in New Jersey?
Yes. SSI approval automatically enrolls you in NJ FamilyCare, the state Medicaid program. No separate application needed.
Does New Jersey add to my SSI payment?
Yes. New Jersey pays a state supplement on top of the federal amount, so a person living independently receives about $1,025 a month in 2026 instead of the $994 federal rate. The supplement is larger for certain living arrangements, like a licensed residential health care facility.
Can I receive both SSI and SSDI?
Sometimes. If your SSDI payment is low enough, SSI can fill the gap up to the combined rate. This is called concurrent benefits.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Veterans Benefits in New Jersey
Tax-free monthly payments for service-connected conditions.
Veterans Benefits in New Jersey
Tax-free monthly payments for service-connected conditions.
VA disability is tax-free monthly pay you earned through your service. If you have an injury or condition connected to your military service, you may be owed compensation every month. The VA assigns a rating from 0 to 100 percent that sets your payment, and many veterans are rated too low or denied at first.
MONTHLY PAY AT 100%
$3,938
What a veteran rated 100% with no dependents receives each month in 2026, tax-free
VA.gov, 2026
TAXES YOU OWE ON IT
$0
VA disability pay is never counted as taxable income by the IRS
IRS, 2026
NJ PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION
100% exempt
New Jersey fully exempts the primary home from property tax for veterans rated 100% permanently and totally disabled
NJ Division of Taxation, 2026
Who qualifies
- Veterans who served on active duty or qualifying training (Guard and Reserve can count)
- Those with a current condition connected to their service
- Those discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
How to apply
The fastest way to get what you're owed is through Turnout. Our VA advocates build your claim from the start, catch rating errors, and fight back if the VA gets it wrong. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
How does the VA disability rating work?
The VA rates you from 0 to 100 percent based on how much your condition affects you. That rating sets your monthly payment. If you have more than one condition, they are combined, not simply added.
Does New Jersey offer any extra benefits for veterans?
Yes. New Jersey gives an annual $250 property tax deduction to eligible veterans, and a full property tax exemption on the primary home for veterans rated 100 percent permanently and totally disabled. The old wartime-service requirement was removed in 2020, so peacetime veterans now qualify too. This is separate from your federal VA compensation.
Can I get VA disability and Social Security at the same time?
Yes. They are separate programs with separate rules, so receiving VA disability does not reduce your SSDI.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Healthcare Advocacy in New Jersey
Health coverage and advocacy for people 65+ and some younger people.
Healthcare Advocacy in New Jersey
Health coverage and advocacy for people 65+ and some younger people.
Healthcare advocacy is one-on-one help getting the most out of your Medicare. Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 and older, and for some younger people on disability, and most plans cover more than people realize. A Turnout advocate works with you to understand your coverage, find the right specialists, manage your prescriptions, and cut your costs. The advocacy is covered by Medicare, so there is no cost to you.
WHERE TURNOUT HELPS
All 50 states
Turnout's healthcare advocates work with people in every U.S. state
Turnout, 2026
WHAT IT COSTS YOU
$0
Your insurance pays for the advocacy, so there's nothing out of pocket for you
Turnout, 2026
ONE-ON-ONE TIME
Up to 6 hours a month
Free monthly sessions with your own dedicated advocate
Turnout, 2026
Who qualifies
- Anyone with Medicare, including Part B, or approaching eligibility at 65
- People who want help using their coverage, finding care, or cutting costs
- And more, including those reviewing or switching plans
How to apply
The fastest way to get the most from your Medicare is through Turnout. We pair you with a healthcare advocate who helps you understand your coverage, find specialists, manage prescriptions, and lower your costs. The advocacy is covered by Medicare, so there's no cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What does a healthcare advocate do for you in New Jersey?
A healthcare advocate helps you understand and use your coverage, from finding specialists to managing prescriptions to lowering what you pay. With Turnout, the advocacy is covered by Medicare at no cost to you.
What's the difference between Medicare and NJ FamilyCare?
Medicare is federal health insurance based mainly on age or disability, not income. NJ FamilyCare is New Jersey Medicaid, based on income. Some people qualify for both, which covers nearly all of their health costs.
Is there free Medicare counseling in New Jersey?
Yes. The New Jersey State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), run by the Division of Aging Services, offers free unbiased Medicare counseling in all 21 counties. Turnout can work alongside that support.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Education Advocacy in New Jersey
Making sure your child gets every service they're entitled to.
Education Advocacy in New Jersey
Making sure your child gets every service they're entitled to.
Education advocacy is one-on-one help getting your child the school support they're entitled to. Under federal law, a child with a disability has the right to an Individualized Education Program, or IEP, a plan the school must follow and pay for. Evaluations get delayed and support gets watered down, and many families don't realize they can push back. A Turnout education advocate prepares with you, joins your IEP meetings, reviews the plan, and pushes for everything the law requires.
CONDITIONS THAT QUALIFY
13 categories
From autism to dyslexia to ADHD, federal law covers a wide range
IDEA / U.S. Dept. of Ed, 2026
NJ EVALUATION DEADLINE
90 days
New Jersey schools must evaluate, decide eligibility, and put the IEP in place within 90 calendar days of your consent
N.J.A.C. 6A:14, 2026
AN IEP IS
Legally binding
The school must deliver every service written in the plan, by law
IDEA, 2026
Who qualifies
- Children ages 3 to 21 enrolled in New Jersey public schools
- Have a qualifying disability under IDEA, including learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, speech delays, emotional disturbance, and more
- A disability that affects their ability to learn
How to apply
The fastest way to get your child the help they need is through Turnout. Our education advocates prepare with you, join your IEP meetings, and push the school for every service your child is entitled to. Reach out to get started.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan?
An IEP provides specialized instruction and services for a child with a disability. A 504 plan provides accommodations, like extra time or seating changes, but not specialized instruction. A child who needs more than accommodations usually needs an IEP.
How fast does the school have to evaluate my child in New Jersey?
New Jersey requires the district to complete the evaluation, decide eligibility, and develop and put the IEP in place within 90 calendar days of your written consent. Evaluation reports must reach you at least 10 days before the eligibility meeting.
What does an education advocate do?
An education advocate helps you understand your child's rights, prepares with you before meetings, joins your IEP meetings, and pushes back when the school offers less than the law requires.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid) in New Jersey
Free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying New Jersey residents.
NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid) in New Jersey
Free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying New Jersey residents.
NJ FamilyCare is New Jersey’s Medicaid and CHIP program. It covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, dental, and more for those who qualify, usually at no cost. New Jersey expanded Medicaid, so adults ages 19 to 64 can qualify up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level, not just parents, seniors, and people with disabilities.
HOW MANY ARE COVERED
1.7M+
New Jerseyans enrolled in NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid as of October 2025 (approximate)
Medicaid.gov / healthinsurance.org, 2025 (approx.)
MONTHLY PREMIUM
$0
Most enrollees pay nothing per month for full health coverage
NJ FamilyCare, 2026
KIDS COVERED UP TO
355% FPL
Children can qualify for NJ FamilyCare up to 355 percent of the federal poverty level, one of the highest limits in the country
NJ DMAHS Income Eligibility Standards, 2026
Who qualifies
- Children up to 355% of the federal poverty level, regardless of immigration status through Cover All Kids
- Pregnant women up to about 199% of the federal poverty level, with 12 months of postpartum coverage
- Adults ages 19 to 64 up to 138% of the federal poverty level, including adults without children
- Adults 65 and older, blind, or with a qualifying disability, including SSI recipients who are automatically enrolled
How to apply
Apply online at njfamilycare.org, or call 1-800-701-0710. Have proof of income, identity, and New Jersey residency ready. Most decisions arrive within 45 days, longer if a disability determination is needed. You can also apply through Get Covered New Jersey, which screens you for NJ FamilyCare automatically.
Frequently asked questions
Is Medicaid called something different in New Jersey?
Yes. New Jersey runs Medicaid and CHIP together under the name NJ FamilyCare. It is the same federal program, managed by the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services.
Can my kids get covered even if we are not citizens?
Yes. Since 2023, New Jersey’s Cover All Kids policy makes children under 19 eligible for NJ FamilyCare regardless of immigration status, as long as the family meets the income limit.
Who qualifies for NJ FamilyCare?
Children, pregnant women, parents, adults up to 138 percent of the poverty level, seniors, and people with disabilities. Because New Jersey expanded Medicaid, adults without children can qualify too.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
NJ SNAP in New Jersey
Monthly grocery benefits on an EBT card, accepted at most grocery stores.
NJ SNAP in New Jersey
Monthly grocery benefits on an EBT card, accepted at most grocery stores.
NJ SNAP is the state’s food assistance program, a federal benefit that helps qualifying households buy groceries. Benefits are loaded each month onto a Families First EBT card and can be used at most grocery stores, ShopRite, Walmart, and many farmers markets. The program is run by the Division of Family Development through your county welfare agency.
HOW MANY ARE COVERED
~800,000
New Jerseyans received NJ SNAP benefits as of September 2025
NJ DHS Division of Family Development, 2025
INCOME LIMIT (FAMILY OF 3)
$4,109/mo
Gross monthly income limit for a family of three, set at 185 percent of the poverty level under New Jersey’s expanded rules
NJ SNAP, FFY2026
SMALLEST BENEFIT
$95/mo
New Jersey sets a state minimum SNAP benefit of $95 a month, higher than the federal minimum
NJ DHS, 2026
Who qualifies
- Households with gross income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level (about $4,109/mo for a family of three)
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens living in New Jersey
- Most adults age 16 to 59 must meet work requirements unless exempt
- Households with a member 60 or older or with a disability follow simpler income rules
How to apply
Apply online through MyNJHelps at mynjhelps.gov, or in person at your county welfare agency. An interview is required, but it can be done by phone. Standard processing takes up to 30 days, with expedited benefits within 7 days for urgent need. Benefits load onto your Families First card each month.
Frequently asked questions
I work full-time. Can I still qualify for NJ SNAP?
Yes. New Jersey uses a higher gross income limit of 185 percent of the poverty level, so many working households qualify once deductions for rent, utilities, and childcare are applied. Income alone does not tell the full story.
How long does NJ SNAP approval take?
Up to 30 days for a standard decision. If your household has very low income and limited resources, you may qualify for expedited benefits within 7 days. An interview is required but can be done by phone.
Can I use my Families First card online or at farmers markets?
Yes. The New Jersey Families First card is accepted at most grocery stores and at retailers like Walmart and Amazon for online orders, plus many farmers markets across the state.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
WIC (Women, Infants, Children) in New Jersey
Nutrition support for moms, infants, and young children.
WIC (Women, Infants, Children) in New Jersey
Nutrition support for moms, infants, and young children.
WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, helps pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5 eat well. It provides monthly benefits for healthy groceries, plus breastfeeding support and nutrition help. Many working families qualify, and being on NJ FamilyCare, NJ SNAP, or WorkFirst NJ usually qualifies you automatically.
INCOME LIMIT
185% FPL
Households at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level can qualify for WIC
USDA / NJ Dept. of Health, 2026
ON MEDICAID OR SNAP?
Auto-eligible
Being on NJ FamilyCare, NJ SNAP, or WorkFirst NJ automatically meets WIC's income test
NJ Dept. of Health, 2026
WHO IT'S FOR
Through age 5
Pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5
USDA, 2026
Who qualifies
- Pregnant women, new mothers, and caregivers of infants and children under age 5
- Households at or below 185% of the federal poverty level
- Families already receiving NJ SNAP, NJ FamilyCare, or WorkFirst NJ are automatically income-eligible
- New Jersey residents, regardless of immigration status
How to apply
Call 1-800-328-3838 or your local WIC agency to schedule an appointment. Bring ID for each family member applying, proof of New Jersey residency, and proof of household income or proof of NJ FamilyCare, NJ SNAP, or WorkFirst NJ enrollment. If approved, you receive your NJ eWIC card and food benefits.
Frequently asked questions
What can you buy with WIC in New Jersey?
Healthy basics like milk, eggs, cereal, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and infant formula and baby food. The specific approved items are set by New Jersey's WIC food list and loaded onto your NJ eWIC card.
Can I get WIC if I have a job?
Yes. Many working families qualify. WIC's income limit is 185 percent of the poverty level, and being on NJ FamilyCare or NJ SNAP usually qualifies you automatically.
Does WIC cover baby formula?
Yes. WIC provides infant formula for babies who need it, and it also supports breastfeeding with counseling and ongoing help.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
LIHEAP in New Jersey
Assistance that helps cover your home energy bills and prevents shutoffs.
LIHEAP in New Jersey
Assistance that helps cover your home energy bills and prevents shutoffs.
New Jersey's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps qualifying households pay their heating and cooling bills, with payments made toward your energy account. The program is administered by the Department of Community Affairs and shares one application with the Universal Service Fund (USF), which gives an ongoing monthly utility credit. Renters and homeowners can both apply.
INCOME LIMIT
60% of state median
Households at or below 60 percent of the state median income can qualify for heating, cooling, and crisis help
NJ DCA LIHEAP, FFY2026
HEATING BENEFIT
Up to $1,278
Maximum heating benefit in FFY2026; the winter crisis benefit goes up to $800 for households facing shutoff
LIHEAP Clearinghouse / NJ DCA, FFY2026
ONGOING UTILITY CREDIT
Up to $200/mo
The companion Universal Service Fund can credit your utility bill each month, on top of LIHEAP
NJ DCA USFHEA FY2026 Factsheet
Who qualifies
- New Jersey households with income at or below 60% of the state median income
- Renters and homeowners paying energy bills, or paying energy costs included in rent
- Priority given to households with older adults, young children, people with disabilities, or high energy burden
- Households on NJ SNAP, WorkFirst NJ, or SSI are strong candidates and can apply through the same portal
How to apply
Apply online through the DCAid portal at dcaid.dca.nj.gov, or contact your local community action agency by calling 1-800-510-3102 or 2-1-1. Bring a current utility bill, photo ID, and proof of income. The program runs October 1 through June 30 and funds are limited, so apply early. One application covers both LIHEAP and the Universal Service Fund.
Frequently asked questions
What if my income is too high for LIHEAP?
New Jersey uses a 60 percent of state median income limit, which is higher than many people expect. The same application also screens you for the Universal Service Fund, which has its own rules and can still help lower your bill.
How is the benefit paid? Do I receive a check?
No. LIHEAP payments go toward your energy account, reducing what you owe or preventing a shutoff. You will not receive cash.
Can renters apply, or only homeowners?
Both renters and homeowners can apply. If utilities are included in your rent, your local agency can confirm how the benefit applies.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Get Covered New Jersey (ACA Subsidies)
State and federal subsidies that reduce the cost of health insurance for qualifying New Jerseyans.
Get Covered New Jersey (ACA Subsidies)
State and federal subsidies that reduce the cost of health insurance for qualifying New Jerseyans.
ACA subsidies are tax credits that reduce the monthly cost of a health insurance plan. New Jersey runs its own marketplace, Get Covered New Jersey, instead of using HealthCare.gov. On top of the federal premium tax credit, New Jersey adds its own state subsidy called NJ Health Plan Savings, which reaches further up the income scale than the federal help alone.
HOW MANY ARE COVERED
509,000+
New Jerseyans signed up for a Get Covered NJ marketplace plan for 2026 coverage
NJ Dept. of Banking and Insurance, 2026
WHO QUALIFIES FOR HELP
8 in 10
About 8 in 10 people enrolling through Get Covered New Jersey qualify for financial help
NJ Dept. of Banking and Insurance, 2026
WHEN TO ENROLL
Nov 1 -- Jan 31
Open enrollment for 2027 coverage. Special enrollment is available year-round for qualifying life events
Get Covered New Jersey, 2026
Who qualifies
- New Jerseyans without affordable employer coverage available
- Households across a wide income range, since NJ Health Plan Savings reaches up to 600% of the poverty level
- Those not eligible for NJ FamilyCare, CHIP, or Medicare
- U.S. citizens or lawfully present residents living in New Jersey
How to apply
Apply online at Get Covered New Jersey (getcovered.nj.gov). Enter household income, family size, and ZIP code to see your combined federal and state savings and compare plans. Enroll during open enrollment (Nov 1 to Jan 31) or after a qualifying life event like job loss, marriage, or the birth of a child. Free local enrollment help is available.
Frequently asked questions
Do I use HealthCare.gov in New Jersey?
No. New Jersey runs its own marketplace, Get Covered New Jersey, at getcovered.nj.gov. That is where you compare plans and claim both federal and state subsidies.
What is NJ Health Plan Savings?
It is a state subsidy layered on top of the federal premium tax credit, lowering your monthly premium further. In 2026 it reaches households up to 600 percent of the poverty level, about $93,900 for one person or $192,900 for a family of four.
What if my income is too low for subsidies?
Apply anyway. Get Covered New Jersey screens you for NJ FamilyCare. Because New Jersey expanded Medicaid, adults up to 138 percent of the poverty level may qualify for free coverage instead.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
WorkFirst New Jersey (TANF)
Monthly cash and support services for families with children.
WorkFirst New Jersey (TANF)
Monthly cash and support services for families with children.
WorkFirst New Jersey (WFNJ) is New Jersey's version of TANF. It provides monthly cash to families with children who have very limited income. The cash is loaded onto a Families First EBT card and can be used for basic needs like rent, utilities, and transportation. The program is run by the Division of Family Development and comes with a 60-month lifetime limit and a work requirement.
MAXIMUM MONTHLY BENEFIT
$559
The maximum cash grant for a family of three with no other income; this is the benefit paid, not the income limit
N.J.A.C. 10:90-3.3 Schedule II, 2026
LIFETIME LIMIT
60 months
The cumulative lifetime cap on cash assistance for adults, with limited extensions available
NJ DHS WorkFirst NJ, 2026
INCOME ELIGIBILITY LIMIT
$839/mo
To qualify, a family of three’s countable income after disregards must fall below about $839 a month
N.J.A.C. 10:90-3.3 Schedule I, 2026
Who qualifies
- New Jersey residents responsible for a child under 18 (or 19 and still in secondary school)
- Households with very low income (below about $839/mo for a family of three)
- Adults must participate in the WorkFirst NJ work program unless deferred
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens
How to apply
Apply online through MyNJHelps at mynjhelps.gov, or in person at your county welfare agency. Complete an interview to determine eligibility. Applying also screens you for NJ SNAP and NJ FamilyCare. If approved, benefits are loaded onto a Families First EBT card.
Frequently asked questions
How long can I receive WorkFirst New Jersey?
A 60-month cumulative lifetime cap applies to adults. Limited extensions are available in hardship cases, and some families continue as child-only cases after the adult reaches the limit.
What's the difference between WorkFirst NJ and TANF?
They are the same thing. WorkFirst New Jersey is the state’s name for the federal TANF program, run by the Division of Family Development.
Can I receive WorkFirst NJ and NJ SNAP at the same time?
Yes. WorkFirst NJ recipients are generally categorically eligible for NJ SNAP and NJ FamilyCare. Applying at mynjhelps.gov screens you for all three at once.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
EITC in New Jersey (Earned Income Tax Credit)
Up to $8,231 back for working individuals and families.
EITC in New Jersey (Earned Income Tax Credit)
Up to $8,231 back for working individuals and families.
The Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC, is a tax break for people who work but earn low to moderate income. It is refundable, so you can get money back even if you owe no tax. New Jersey stacks its own state credit on top of the federal one, so eligible workers get extra money from the state when they file.
FEDERAL WORTH UP TO
$8,231
The 2026 federal maximum for workers with three or more children, with smaller credits for fewer or no kids
IRS, 2026
NJ ADDS ON TOP
40% more
New Jersey pays a state EITC worth 40 percent of your federal credit
NJ Division of Taxation, 2025
YOUNGER WORKERS
Age 18+
New Jersey lets workers as young as 18 without children claim the state credit, unlike the federal rules
NJ Division of Taxation, 2025
Who qualifies
- Workers with earned income from a job or self-employment
- Income within the federal limits for filing status and number of children
- Valid Social Security numbers for the worker, spouse, and any children on the federal credit
- New Jersey workers age 18 and older, even without children, for the state credit
How to apply
You claim the federal EITC by filing a federal tax return, even if you don’t normally have to file. New Jersey then applies its 40 percent state credit when you file your NJ-1040 state return. Free filing help is available through IRS-certified VITA volunteers, who can handle both returns.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get EITC without kids?
No kids needed. Workers without children can still qualify for a smaller credit, and in New Jersey you can claim the state credit starting at age 18.
Does New Jersey have its own state EITC?
Yes. New Jersey pays a state EITC worth 40 percent of your federal credit, so most eligible workers get extra money back from the state on top of the federal amount.
Will getting EITC affect my other benefits?
Generally no. EITC refunds aren't counted as income for programs like NJ SNAP or NJ FamilyCare, and there are protections so a refund doesn't immediately count against asset limits.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Child Tax Credit in New Jersey
Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17.
Child Tax Credit in New Jersey
Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17.
The Child Tax Credit is a federal tax credit worth up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17, available when you file your federal tax return. Up to $1,700 per child is refundable, so lower-income families can receive it even when they owe no federal tax. New Jersey also has its own state Child Tax Credit for families with young children, worth up to $1,000 per child.
FEDERAL, PER CHILD
Up to $2,200
The federal credit for each qualifying child under 17, with up to $1,700 refundable
IRS, 2026
NJ CHILD TAX CREDIT
Up to $1,000
New Jersey adds a refundable state credit of up to $1,000 per child age 5 or younger for lower-income families
NJ Division of Taxation, 2025
NJ CREDIT IS FOR
Kids under 6
The New Jersey Child Tax Credit applies to each dependent child age 5 or younger
NJ Division of Taxation, 2025
Who qualifies
- Families with a qualifying child under 17 with a valid Social Security number for the federal credit
- Part of the federal credit comes back as a refund for families with at least $2,500 in earned income
- New Jersey families with a child age 5 or younger and taxable income of $80,000 or less for the state credit
How to apply
You claim the federal Child Tax Credit when you file a federal tax return, using Schedule 8812. New Jersey families claim the state Child Tax Credit on the NJ-1040 state return. You can claim both even if you don't normally file, and free tax help can walk you through them.
Frequently asked questions
Does my child need a Social Security number?
For the federal credit, yes. New Jersey’s state Child Tax Credit is more flexible and can be claimed by filers using an SSN or an ITIN.
Does New Jersey have a state Child Tax Credit?
Yes. New Jersey has a refundable state Child Tax Credit worth up to $1,000 per child age 5 or younger, for families with New Jersey taxable income of $80,000 or less. The amount is largest for the lowest incomes and phases down as income rises.
What is the Additional Child Tax Credit?
The Additional Child Tax Credit is the refundable portion of the federal Child Tax Credit. For 2026, up to $1,700 per child is refundable. You need at least $2,500 in earned income to claim it on Schedule 8812.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Child Care Assistance in New Jersey
Subsidized child care for working New Jersey families.
Child Care Assistance in New Jersey
Subsidized child care for working New Jersey families.
New Jersey's Child Care Assistance Program helps working families pay for child care while parents work, attend school, or complete job training. It is funded by the federal Child Care and Development Fund and run by the Division of Family Development through county Child Care Resource and Referral agencies. The program pays providers directly, with families paying a sliding-scale share based on income.
PARENT SHARE
Sliding scale
Families pay a co-pay based on income and family size; the lowest-income families pay little to nothing
NJ DHS Division of Family Development, 2026
INCOME LIMIT TO ENTER
200% FPL
Families enter the program at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, with a graduated phase-out at higher income
NJ DFD Income Eligibility Schedule CC-229, 2026
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
Since Apr 8, 2026
New Jersey reopened the program to all eligible families on April 8, 2026, after a period of limited new enrollment
NJ DFD / ChildCareNJ, 2026
Who qualifies
- New Jersey residents with a child under 13, or under 19 with a disability
- Parents who are working at least 25 hours a week, attending school, or in job training
- Households at or below 200% of the federal poverty level to enter the program
- Child is a U.S. citizen or has qualified immigration status
How to apply
Apply online through MyNJHelps at mynjhelps.gov, or contact your county Child Care Resource and Referral agency, listed at childcarenj.gov. You will need proof of income, identity for parent and child, and documentation of your work or training schedule. As of April 8, 2026, the program is accepting new applications from all eligible families.
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose my own child care provider?
Yes. You can choose from any provider registered with your Child Care Resource and Referral agency, including licensed centers, registered family child care homes, and approved home-based providers.
How much will I have to pay out of pocket?
A sliding-scale co-pay applies based on your income and family size. The lowest-income families and many WorkFirst NJ recipients pay nothing, while families closer to the income limit pay more.
Is there a waitlist for child care assistance in New Jersey?
As of April 8, 2026, New Jersey reopened the program to all eligible families after a period of limited new enrollment. Apply as soon as you know you need care, since availability can change with funding.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
