New Jersey is one of the most costly states for people to live in around the country. With the cost of living so high, there are some people who will struggle to be able to pay their bills each month. When this happens, it is important that they know where they can turn for help, so that they can make ends meet. Many people turn to programs that offer financial help for African Americans in New Jersey, so that their basic needs are met during challenging times.
The programs that offer financial help for African Americans in New Jersey are usually offered through the federal government. Some may also be made possible through the state government, while other helpful programs are offered through organizations. Together, these programs provide a safety net for people who are experiencing financially challenging times.
There is no limit to the number of programs you can apply to at once, so contact all those you feel you are qualified for. Plus, you don’t have to ever pay back the financial help, because it’s not considered a loan.
Financial Help for African Americans in New Jersey
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program provides financial help for African Americans in New Jersey by providing a way to purchase food each month. Those who are approved for the program will receive a debit-style card that can be used at the grocery store or farmer’s market to pay for food. There is no limit to how long you can receive help through this program. To qualify for SNAP in New Jersey, you have to meet the low income requirements and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. The amount of your monthly benefit is calculated based on how many dependents are in your household. To get more information or apply, click here.
Work First New Jersey – This program is referred to as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) in other states. The goal of the program is to provide those who need help with a monthly cash benefit. The cash can be used to pay for living expenses, including rent, transportation, food, bills, clothing, healthcare, etc. To qualify for the program you have to meet the low income requirements and have at least one minor child you are caring for. Through this program they do also offer General Assistance, which is a monthly cash benefit that is given to people who do not have any minor dependents, but who have a low income. They do try to help people with case management so that they can become self sufficient. To get more information or apply for the program, click here.
Transportation Assistance – This program helps people with obtaining transportation for work purposes. If you qualify, they will give you a one-time free monthly bus or train pass. They will provide people with bus or train passes for up to six months. To get more information, click here.
Medicaid – This program provides financial help for African Americans in New Jersey by paying for healthcare expenses. Those who are approved for the program will be able to get access to healthcare appointments and prescription drugs for no cost. The program covers the cost of going to the doctor, hospital, prescription drugs, eye doctor, and more. There is no limit to how long you can get financial help from this program. To qualify, you have to be a citizen or a legal non-citizen. To get more information or apply, click here.
Energy Assistance – There are several energy assistance programs that will provide financial help for African Americans. In New Jersey, there is the Home Energy Assistance Program and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Both programs will pay the utility bill for people who have a low income and are struggling to pay the bill. Applications start being accepted every October 1st. The assistance is given out on a first-come, first-served basis, because the program is funded through a federal block grant. Each year, they receive money from the government to pay utility bills for people, until the funds run out. Then they have to wait until they receive the next block grant to help more people. To get more information, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This program provides financial help that is focused on one’s housing issues. They will help people who have a low income by locating affordable housing, paying their rent, helping them avoid foreclosure, offering free weatherization services, and helping to pay for necessary home repairs. They also have access to government-owned housing units that people can live in for free. To get more information, click here.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) – This program helps pregnant women by providing them with nutritional food. To qualify, you have to have a low income, be considered nutritionally at risk, and be pregnant or have at least one child age five and under. If approved, they will give you the ability to purchase free healthy food at the store each month. To apply, you have to visit a WIC clinic. To locate one near you, click here.
Catholic Charities – This faith-based organization has over 3,000 locations around the country. They provide financial help for African Americans in New Jersey by offering free food, clothing, shelters, counseling, and a variety of other services. While they are affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church, they do not expect those they help to be religious. Their services are open to anyone who needs assistance. To find a location near you, click here.
Salvation Army – This organization offers locations around the country and provides a variety of helpful services to people in the community. A faith-based organization, they provide free soup kitchens, shelters, transportation vouchers, clothing, bill payment assistance, pantries, and more. Many people are familiar with this organization because they see them out ringing the bell with the red kettles, asking for donations, every December. The donations they collect are used to help people in need in the community. To find a location near you, click here.