How to Apply for SNAP Benefits (Formerly known as Food Stamps) in NJ

The Resource Access Team at The Community FoodBank of New Jersey is here to provide educational information, SNAP application assistance, and guidance through the steps to apply for SNAP benefits in New Jersey.

How do I apply for SNAP benefits (formerly known as Food Stamps) in New Jersey?

CFBNJ is here to help you get started!

1. Call CFBNJ for a benefit screening.

CFBNJ’s bilingual Resource Access team will see if you are eligible for SNAP benefits (formerly known as food stamps). We provide SNAP application help in the following NJ Counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, and Union. If you do not live in any of these counties, please click here.

2. Complete a SNAP application online with a CFBNJ team member

Apply for SNAP benefits online or with the help of a CFBNJ team member. If you need help with a SNAP application, CFBNJ’s Resource Access team can provide direct assistance to you in-person and technical help over the phone. You can also mail your application to your local County Board of Social Services.

Provide documents required for a SNAP application:

A SNAP application is not complete until required verification documents have been submitted. Every household member applying for benefits must show the following:

• Valid ID (driver’s license, birth certificate, government ID)
• Immigration status
• Student Status
• Social security number
• Proof of housing (lease, rental agreement, utility bill)
• Earned and unearned income (paystubs, tax records, employment or benefits award letter)
• Resource statements (bank statements)

Supporting documents include:

• Housing, phone, and/or utility costs (bills)
• Medical expenses for anyone in your household 60+ or disabled
• Child and adult care costs
• Child support paid by a person in your household

These documents can be uploaded online from a computer, internet-enabled cell phone, or tablet as soon as you are finished with your application. You can upload documents up to 60 days after you submit your application by going to the SNAP application website and clicking Upload Documents.

1. Enter your application confirmation number and birthdate
2. Enter your name and email address
3. Click Add Document to begin uploading documents
4. Select the type of document you are uploading from the drop-down list, click Choose File, and navigate to where you saved the photo, select the photo and click Submit. You can also send your verification documents to your County Board of Social Services via mail, fax, or email.

• Income less than $150 per month and liquid resources less than $100
• Housing costs higher than both monthly income and liquid resources
• Migrant or seasonal farm workers with less than $10
• Liquid resources: cash or those assets that may readily be converted to cash, such as a life insurance policy that has a cash value, stock certificates, or a guaranteed line of credit from a financial institution.

CFBNJ is committed to educating our greater community about available resources. Along with pre-screening for SNAP eligibility, we work closely with you to see if your household qualifies for any New Jersey child nutrition programs such as free school meals and after school meal programs. We are here to answer your questions and assist you directly.