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Social Services

Union County SNAP Benefits Update for November 2025 – Update as of November 7th

Post for November 7th

Update – New Jersey issued full November 2025 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to eligible households on the morning of Friday, November 7, 2025 following a federal court ruling.

SNAP recipients are encouraged to check their Families First EBT cards at NJFamiliesFirst.com or by calling (800) 997-3333 to confirm their balances and use their benefits as needed.

SNAP benefits loaded on your Families First EBT card prior to October 31 remain available for use as well.

New Jersey continues to monitor developments and will continue to provide updates at NJSNAP.gov as needed. Additional assistance for SNAP households during the ongoing federal shutdown is available at NJ.gov/SNAPshutdown.

Previous information below was posted on November 2nd.

Update – Please remember that while new funds will not be made available on November 1, 2025, SNAP recipients will be able to access any funds in their account that have carried over from October 2025 or previous months. SNAP recipients are encouraged to check their balances online here.

Governor Murphy has called on the federal government to release federal SNAP funds, and New Jersey joined a multi-state lawsuit against the USDA and Secretary Brooke Rollins for unlawfully suspending SNAP funding despite the availability of contingency funding during the ongoing federal government shutdown.

A number of pantries offer fresh produce in addition to stable, non-perishable foods, shopping appointments, and information about additional services. Residents can locate food pantries and community kitchens via NJ 211 here.

“Nobody deserves to go hungry, and it is unacceptable for our federal government to put essential nutrition programs in such a precarious position. SNAP and WIC are lifelines to our most vulnerable neighbors – babies and children, seniors and hard-working families – and we cannot let them down,” said Acting New Jersey Health Commissioner Jeff Brown. “New Jersey did not create this crisis, but we will do everything we can to help ensure New Jerseyans don’t miss meals.”

Previous information below was posted on October 31st.

Due to the federal government shutdown, November SNAP benefits will not be available on November 1 if the shutdown continues.

Click here to view and/or download the NJ SNAP benefits infographic.

Click here to view and/or download the NJ SNAP benefits infographic in Spanish.

  • Before shopping in November, please check your EBT card balance.
  • To check your EBT card balance, click here to visit the website or call 1-800-997-3333.

If your balance shows SNAP benefits, you can use them. If your balance does not show SNAP benefits, benefits have not been added yet.

You may still receive letters or see messages online saying you are eligible for November benefits. However, eligibility notices do not mean benefits were added to your card.

November Benefits will only be available once federal funding resumes.

You should continue submitting any documents or recertifications so your benefits can restart as soon as funding is restored.

Contact the Human Services Action Line at 908-677-5405.

Union County Launches Emergency Home Repair Grant Program for Seniors Impacted by July Storms

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is launching the Storm-Related Emergency Home Repair Grant Program to assist senior homeowners affected by the severe storms that hit the region on July 3rd and July 14th.

This grant is available to Union County residents aged 62 and older who own and occupy a single- or two-family home that sustained damage from the recent storms. Eligible low- to moderate- income homeowners can receive up to $10,000 in funding to help cover necessary repairs—and the grant does not need to be repaid.

“After such devastating weather events, it’s vital that our seniors feel safe and supported in their own homes,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “This program is a direct investment in their recovery and in the stability of our communities. We want to make sure no one is left behind.”

To qualify, homeowners must be current on their mortgage and property taxes. Once an application is submitted, an inspection will be conducted to determine the scope of repairs needed, and a cost estimate will be prepared to establish the grant amount.

For homeowners who may need additional support beyond the $10,000 grant, Union County also offers the Home Improvement Program, which provides interest-free loans with no repayment required until the property is sold or transferred. This program is available to all income-eligible residents, regardless of age.

For more information or to begin the application process, please click here or contact Development Directions, LLC at (732) 382-8100.

  • Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for Storm-Related Emergency Home Repair Grant Program.
  • Click here to view and/or download the Union County Board of Commissioners Press Release for the Emergency Home Repair Grant Program for Seniors Impacted by July Storms.

Need Eviction Help?

NJ Department of Community Affairs and the Comprehensive Eviction Defense and Diversion (CEDD) can help with rental assistance programs, social services support, expanded access to legal counsel, general information about landlord-tenant rights and responsibilities. To connect to your local CEDD provider, click here (English), click here (Spanish), scan the QR code from the flyer or email here.

Are you a veteran experiencing eviction? To find your Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) provider, please click here, scan the QR code from the flyer or call 1-877-424-3838.

  • Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer in English.
  • Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer in Spanish.

Human Services Launches New Lock Feature on EBT Cards to Protect Against Benefit Theft

On April 4, 2025, Human Services announced a new security feature that allows individuals who receive cash and food assistance benefits to lock their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards to protect against the national problem of skimming. Residents who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Work First New Jersey (WFNJ) benefits can use the new EBT Lock/Unlock tool on the NJFamiliesFirst.com website or the ConnectEBT app to lock their EBT cards when they are not in use. Choosing the “Lock My Card Everywhere” option blocks all purchases while your card is locked. Residents will still receive benefits or refunds – even if their card is locked – but no online or in-store purchases can be made. Click here to view the full press release in English. Click here to view the full press release in Spanish.

  • Click here to view and/or download instructions on how to lock your Families First EBT Card and protect your family from theft – English.
  • Click here to view and/or download instructions on how to lock your Families First EBT Card and protect your family from theft – Spanish.

Additional Resources: NJHELPS and NJSNAP.

Game On for Prevention: Youth, Substance, and Violence Awareness Tournament

United Way of Greater Union County in partnership with Prevention Links are excited to announce an upcoming event that brings together all the young people we serve for a day of fun, competition, and awareness. Game On for Prevention: Youth, Substance Abuse & Violence Awareness Tournament!

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this event in English.
Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this event in Spanish.
Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this event in Creole.

  • Who: Youth program.
  • What: United Way of Greater Union County in partnership with Prevention Links are excited to announce an upcoming event that brings together all the young people we serve for a day of fun, competition, and awareness. Game On for Prevention: Youth, Substance Abuse & Violence Awareness Tournament! This event, aligned with National Youth Violence Prevention Week, will feature:
    • Free admission, amazing youth opportunities with trophies and medals.
    • A basketball tournament for youth teams across Union County.
    • Resource tables connecting youth with local programs & opportunities.
    •  Music, food, and friendly competition to bring our community together.
  • Where: Mickey Walker Recreation Center, located at 860 Anna Street, Elizabeth NJ 07201.
  • When: Saturday March 29, 2025 from 10am until 2pm.
  • How: Free event.

Starbuyer Homebuying Program

You are cordially invited to the upcoming Linden Homeownership Center’s (LHOC) Financial Literacy and Pre-homeownership Orientation workshop hosted by Neighborhood for a Sustainable Future (N4SF) with community partners United Way, Columbia Bank, and Valley Bank in conjunction with the Office of the Mayor of Linden, New Jersey.

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer.

  • What: Starbuyer Homebuying Program. Set up your finances for home ownership! this workshop will provide tips to: get ready to buy a home, build financial stability, create a budget and manage expenses, and make your money work for you and set up long-term success. Learn all about becoming a homeowner. We will guide you in: the homebuying process, understanding mortgages, and qualifying for a first-time homebuyer program. Discover the steps to owning a home and building generational wealth.
  • When: Saturday April 26, 2025 from 11am until 1pm.
  • Where: Linden Homeownership Center – LHOC (N4SF) located at 1120 East St. Georges Ave Unit 4.
  • How: Click here to register. Join our in-person Financial Literacy and Homeownership Workshop. For more information please contact the LHOC (N4SF) office at 908-808-4035 or United Way of Greater Union County located at 219 Central Avenue Rahway, New Jersey 07065 or call at 908-353-7171 Ext. 104 or 908-469-2963 or 908-469-2962.

Code Blue Alert

The Union County Board of Commissioners has announced a Code Blue sheltering due to predicted severe weather conditions from January 15 through January 24. Individuals and families seeking shelter MUST go to the Union County Division of Social Services for Code Blue placement during business hours, which are Monday through Friday, 8:30am until 3pm to be screened and placed. Office addresses are:

After 3pm weekdays, and on weekends and holidays, referrals and persons seeking Code Blue placement should dial the NJ Homeless Hotline at 211, or (817) 652 – 1148.

State Rental Assistance Program

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (NJDCA) opens the waitlist and are accepting pre-applications for the State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP). Apply now!

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this event in English.
Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this event in Spanish.
Click here to view and/or download the key details for this event.

  • Who: NJ residents who meet eligibility criteria are invited to apply with preference given to qualified veterans, elderly, families, disabled, and homeless.
  • What: The New Jersey State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP) is a state funded program that provides housing subsidies on behalf of very low-income New Jersey residents, for decent, safe and sanitary housing. Persons applying must meet all applicable SRAP income and eligibility requirements. A total of 6,000 households will be selected through a lottery system to be placed on the State Rental Assistance Program waiting list. You must be eighteen (18) years of age or older or be an emancipated minor to apply. Please note that only New Jersey residents are eligible to apply for SRAP assistance. 
  • When: The open enrollment period begins on Monday, January 13, 2025 at 9am and ends on January 31, 2025 at 5pm.
  • How: Click here to apply online and click here for the program details. For more information or assistance, please call the NJDCA assistance line at (609) 292-4080, then choose option 9. They are available 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm.

Union County Utility Assistance Day

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) is hosting a Union County Utility Assistance Day.

  • What: Union County Utility Assistance Day. NJBPU invites Union County residents to attend this free event to learn more about utility assistance programs and resources available to help with the cost of their electric, water, and gas utility bills. For more information about New Jersey’s utility assistance programs please visit NJBPU’s utility assistance website. Residents in danger of shut off can apply for assistance and call their utility company to request a payment plan. NJBPU’s Customer Assistance hotline can be reached at 800-624-0241.
  • Where: Mickey Walker Center, which is located at 860 Anna Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07201.
  • When: Wednesday, March 27, 2024, from 9am until 3:30pm.

COVID-19 Recovery Emergency Food Distribution

The Union County Board of County Commissioners, the Village Super Market of Springfield Township and Gargiulo Produce are providing a drive through only food distribution event to all Union County residents affected by COVID-19 on Saturday, December 17, 2023. Click here or text “FindFood” for English, or text “Comida” for Spanish to 908-224-7776 to find helpful information quickly.

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this event in English.
Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this event in Spanish.

  • Who: Union County residents only.
  • What: Drive-through emergency food distribution hosted by the County of Union. The first 2,000+ persons will receive a special holiday food box produce with all the trimmings on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • When: Saturday, December 17, at 8am.
  • Where: Kean University, which is located at 1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083.
  • How: One food distribution per vehicle, while supplies last. Refrigerate any perishable items shortly after distribution. Please make sure to clear out the vehicle’s trunk prior to arrival to make room for food boxes. Bring one (1) proof of Union County residency, NJ residency (Utility bill, Driver’s license, ID card). Event will take place rain or shine. With any questions, or for more information, please email the DHS Action Line or call 908-677-5405.