URIDA lists 41 programs for people in New Jersey: 34 from government agencies, 6 from nonprofits, foundations, utilities and other private groups, and 1 from other sources. Each one was checked against its official page. Some serve only part of the state, and dates and rules change, so look on the official page before you apply.
URIDA is not a government agency. Each program's operator takes applications and decides eligibility.
Proof of identification: Social Security cards for all household members (birth certificates for infants under 12 months; custody papers; foster child documents)
Proof of income for everyone age 18 and over (4 consecutive weekly or 2 consecutive biweekly pay stubs; the federal tax return if self-employed; benefit award letters or checks; an unemployment award statement; a child support statement; leases for rental income; a Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or general assistance award letter; a zero-income statement)
Homeowners: proof of ownership (mortgage, tax bill or deed); renters: a copy of the current lease
Current energy bills (gas and electric, all pages; or the oil or propane bill)
Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency (Social Security card, filed tax return, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services document or work permit)
Public housing or rental assistance: a housing authority letter or lease
A completed weatherization application (an application already filed for the state's energy help can be used)
Documents for the Social Security number of all household members (the card, a Social Security Administration document, a government document or a Medicare card; otherwise a Certification of No Social Security Number, an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), or a green card, birth certificate or driver's license)
Proof of income (pay stubs: 4 of the most recent 5 weeks; W-2s, tax returns, financial statements, award letters); a self-employment tax return
Zero income: a notarized affidavit (and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) verification of non-filing)
Proof of ownership together with the renter's lease agreement
New Jersey Charity Care (Hospital Care Payment Assistance)
Who it is for
New Jersey residents with no health coverage or coverage that pays only part of the bill, not eligible for Medicaid or other medical assistance, meeting income and asset criteria (200% or below of FPG: 0% patient share; assets Individual: $7,500, Family: $15,000); some non-residents may qualify.
New Jersey residents who are United States citizens or qualified non-citizens; resources must have a value of $2,000 or less; work and child support requirements apply. Any household member 18 or over, or minor parents, can apply.
Training & Education Programs (training grants and Additional Benefits During Training)
Who it is for
Job seekers; the two training grant programs are 'available for laid-off workers' and the training must be in New Jersey. ABT: after UI benefits are exhausted, up to 26 weeks of benefits to complete approved training.
Run by NJ Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA)
Who it is for
New Jersey community colleges; New Jersey residents.
Documents to prepare
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application for New Jersey Dreamers (with a sworn statement about applying for immigration status). Any other papers needed are listed in your New Jersey online financial aid account.
Run by NJ Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA)
Documents to prepare
If you are asked to verify: a federal income tax transcript, or a wage and income transcript. If you did not file taxes, proof of income from a government agency. Appeals are due within 60 days of the first notice.
Individuals with a physical, mental, cognitive, or other form of disability that is a substantial impediment to employment may qualify; students may apply at age 14. Blind or significantly visually impaired people are served by the NJ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
Run by New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA)
Who it is for
Veterans and their dependents; offices in each of the state's twenty-one counties, serving as points of entry to local, state, and federal benefits, programs, and services.
Refugees, asylees, and other Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)-eligible populations in New Jersey; services include cash assistance, case management, healthcare, and employment and social supports.
Judiciary Ombudsman Program (Court User Resource Centers)
Who it is for
Members of the public using New Jersey Superior Court; ombudsmen give court-procedure information and forms and self-help kits 'if you choose to represent yourself in court'. They cannot give legal advice or recommend a lawyer.
Run by NJ TRANSIT Reduced Fare Program (NJ TRANSIT Reduced Fare Office)
Who it is for
Seniors 62 or older (65 for travel to/from Metro-North Railroad stations), people with disabilities, and military personnel; 'you don't need to be a New Jersey resident to be eligible for the program.'
Equipment Distribution Program (EDP) - NJ Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Run by New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DDHH)
Who it is for
New Jersey residents with hearing loss whose total combined household income is not greater than 400% of the federal poverty level (e.g., $63,840 for 1 person; $132,000 for 4; add $22,720 per additional person).