In an effort to help combat food insecurity in New Jersey, Governor Phil Murphy today signed a bill to ensure every household receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits is able to receive those benefits for the longest allowable period of time before needing to apply for recertification.
New Jersey is already a leader in advancing food security and improving access to NJ SNAP, including allowing the longest recertification periods permitted under federal rules. Under this new law, New Jersey is making these certification periods permanent so that NJ SNAP enrollees are able to maintain their benefits for no less than 12 months or a period of no less than 24 months for households in which every adult is elderly and/or disabled – the maximum amount of time permitted under federal regulations.
“By ensuring every eligible household receives their SNAP benefits for the maximum time allowed before needing to have their benefits recertified, we will make it easier for low-income families to access and retain the food assistance they need,” said Governor Murphy.
“Cutting down on the frequency with which households must reapply for their benefits, we will make life easier for many residents already struggling to make ends meet and help them continue to put food on the table for their families.”
The Commissioner will apply for any federal waivers or approvals and adopt any rules and regulations necessary to implement the new law. Exceptions will be permitted for situations in which shorter certification periods are necessary for other programs or for the expedited issuance of initial benefits.
SNAP enrollees will only have to complete the interim report mid-way through their certification period to update their information and/or report any changes. These mid-way checks help make sure the department has the most up-to-date household information to ensure families receive the maximum benefit for which they are eligible.
This legislation builds on the Administration’s ongoing efforts to address food insecurity throughout the state, including a bill the Governor signed earlier this year to ensure every SNAP household in New Jersey would continue to receive at least $95 in monthly benefits once the federal government’s emergency allotments came to an end.
I have try replying on snap but they won’t let me I got 3 living in my home. I got two teenager and my self. I am a single mother.and I trying to keep food on table for my self and teenager. And I did not lie about anything, when I sign up on them I paid rent 585.00 month. And keep gas in car and VA from my dead husband and social security to and paid that 585.00 month.
They need to raise the amount one is allowed to make while working working families deserve this benefit it’s like we get punished for doing what is right in life. . I also am a single mom of 3 and work ft my daughter got a pt job and they cut off off the system is screwed up.