~For Our N.J. Residents~ What to Do When Your UC Ends~

Good morning all, just wanted to post this information for any of our NJ members who are nearing expiration of their UC Benefits.

NJ SNAP/TANF is available for people who have exhausted all UC benefits, even if you are a "single" adult with no dependents. They will provide you with a Food Stamp allotment, Medicaid Part C and a small cash stipend. They do also have utility and housing assistance as well. There are qualifiers for all these programs, sadly.

When you have received your last payment, request a letter from the UC service center that you are no longer eligible to receive benefits. Once you have that, go online and register. It takes a few minutes to go through. Once submitted you may receive a phone call shortly after. Within 7 days you will receive a formal application and an appt. time. They will also enclose all the documentation you are required to bring with you. (That's why I suggest you get the letter from the UC Center with regards to expiration of benefits immediately, as they take a good 10 days.) Note: When they are extremely busy, they waive the "phone interview" and just send the letter.

During the interview process they will require you to disclose any savings, income etc.

It takes about 3 wks total, it's not enough to live on, but it will get you food, some money, usually about $120-140/month and $200/month for food. They will issue you a Families First card for purchases and they will give you a schedule of the cash payout and the day your food allotment is available. For example, I receive cash on the 1st and food on the 3rd. It goes by your case number. They will issue you an id card as well with your picture. When you qualify for the medicaid part C, you will receive a card for that as well. It covers Dr. visits, Dentist and some diagnostics such as xray, mammogram and womens health care issues. It does not cover prescriptions, the ER or hospitalization. You can get the list of participating Doctors on line. There are not many, but I have found the services I needed within an hour. Note: you will have to be tough about this and insist that you need it. Let them know any medical conditions you have, tests that you are required to have each year and what medications you are currently taking.

I will post the website for all. Don't panic, there is a little help still available.
Don't be embarrassed, shy or upset. Those of us who have already expired all felt these emotions, but when faced with no food and no income, you will quickly learn you are not alone, so many of us are in the same boat.

Lastly, keep talking to us, we have to stick together, and together, hopefully, we can get the jobs we need and the continued help until we do.

The website is:

www.state.nj.us/humanservices

If you need help with other services, just click the service you need.

We will keep this topic bumped for members to refer to.

Hope this is helpful.