Apply for SNAP (Food Stamps)

If I lose or damage my EBT card, how can I get a new one?

First, call 1-800-977-333 to cancel your current card. We can’t issue a new card to you until you cancel your current one.

After you cancel your card, email otaebt@co.morris.nj.us. Include your name and case number, and state that you need a new EBT card.

I’m not available during my scheduled interview time. Can I reschedule?

Please try to keep your appointment.

However, if you aren’t able to keep your appointment for any reason, we’ll reschedule it for you.

If you are currently receiving benefits, you’ll receive a notice of expiration with a date and time to re-certify your case. Make sure to schedule your appointment before that date!

Call 973-326-7800 to reschedule.

We receive a lot of phone calls, so you might not get a live person to speak with.

Leave a message to reschedule your appointment. Please leave your name and case number on the message.

I’m already receiving benefits from another county or state. Can I apply for benefits in Morris County?

If you have active benefits in another county/state outside of Morris County, NJ, you must contact that benefits office and close those benefits before applying with us.

When will my case be processed? When will I get my benefits?

It can take up to 30 days from either:

• The date you apply online, or
• The date the agency receives your signed, completed application, if you filled out a paper application.

How can I check on the status of my case?

If you applied online, you can check your status at mynjhelps.gov. Enter your login information or confirmation number to check your status.

If you applied over the phone or in person, you can call our office at 973-326-7800 to check your status. We have very long wait times, so please leave a message with your name, case number, and brief description of your question. Please be patient and allow 48 business hours for a response before calling again.

If possible, apply online – you’ll be able to keep track of your status more easily.

Why have my benefits been cut or reduced?

There are many reasons why your benefits may change, including:

• COVID waivers expiring
• A change in your household size
• A change in your income
  • This includes receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Retirement, Survivors, Disability Insurance (RSDI), and/or unemployment benefits
• A change in housing costs

You’ll receive a notice with an explanation of benefit changes in the mail. If you have any questions about these changes, contact us at 973-326-7800.

I just called and was instructed to leave a message. When will you call me back?

There’s a very high volume of incoming calls.

Before calling, please read this page carefully to see if we’ve already answered your questions!

If you need to call, leave a message with your case number, your name, and a brief description of why you are calling.

Please be patient and allow 48 business hours for a response before calling again. (Our offices are open from 8:30am – 4:30pm.)

Calls are returned in the order in which they are received.

Income Limits: October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022

Household Size: 1 people

• Maximum Benefit Allotment (MCA): $250
• Maximum Allowable Net Income 100% of Federal Poverty Level: $1,074
• Maximum Allowable Gross Income 130% of Federal Poverty Level: $1,396
• Expanded Categorical Eligibility Gross Income 185% of Federal Poverty Level: $1,986

Household Size: 2 people

• Maximum Benefit Allotment (MCA): $459
• Maximum Allowable Net Income 100% of Federal Poverty Level: $1,452
• Maximum Allowable Gross Income 130% of Federal Poverty Level: $1,888
• Expanded Categorical Eligibility Gross Income 185% of Federal Poverty Level: $2,686

Household Size: 3 people

• Maximum Benefit Allotment (MCA): $658
• Maximum Allowable Net Income 100% of Federal Poverty Level: $1,830
• Maximum Allowable Gross Income 130% of Federal Poverty Level: $2,379
• Expanded Categorical Eligibility Gross Income 185% of Federal Poverty Level: $3,386

Household Size: 4 people

• Maximum Benefit Allotment (MCA): $835
• Maximum Allowable Net Income 100% of Federal Poverty Level: $2,209
• Maximum Allowable Gross Income 130% of Federal Poverty Level: $2,871
• Expanded Categorical Eligibility Gross Income 185% of Federal Poverty Level: $4,086

Household Size: 5 people

• Maximum Benefit Allotment (MCA): $992
• Maximum Allowable Net Income 100% of Federal Poverty Level: $2,587
• Maximum Allowable Gross Income 130% of Federal Poverty Level: $3,363
• Expanded Categorical Eligibility Gross Income 185% of Federal Poverty Level: $4,786

Household Size: 6 people

• Maximum Benefit Allotment (MCA): $1,190
• Maximum Allowable Net Income 100% of Federal Poverty Level: $2,965
• Maximum Allowable Gross Income 130% of Federal Poverty Level: $3,855
• Expanded Categorical Eligibility Gross Income 185% of Federal Poverty Level: $5,486

Household Size: 7 people

• Maximum Benefit Allotment (MCA): $1,316
• Maximum Allowable Net Income 100% of Federal Poverty Level: $3,344
• Maximum Allowable Gross Income 130% of Federal Poverty Level: $4,347
• Expanded Categorical Eligibility Gross Income 185% of Federal Poverty Level: $6,186

Household Size: 8 people

• Maximum Benefit Allotment (MCA): $1,504
• Maximum Allowable Net Income 100% of Federal Poverty Level: $3,722
• Maximum Allowable Gross Income 130% of Federal Poverty Level: $4,839
• Expanded Categorical Eligibility Gross Income 185% of Federal Poverty Level: $6,886

Household Size: More than 8 people

For each additional person:

• Maximum Benefit Allotment (MCA): Add $188
• Maximum Allowable Net Income 100% of Federal Poverty Level: Add $379
• Maximum Allowable Gross Income 130% of Federal Poverty Level: Add $492
• Expanded Categorical Eligibility Gross Income 185% of Federal Poverty Level: Add $700

Resources

• Elderly/Disabled household with Income over 185%: $3,750.00 Aged/Disabled Household
• Applicable only if household has an IPV (Intentional Program Violator) or head of household is work sanctioned: $2,500.00

This is a list of documents you will need to apply for SNAP assistance. (Some of them may not apply to you or your family.) You need to bring original documents with you. We will make copies.

You must prove your identity to the worker and provide one of the following:

• Birth Certificate
• Driver’s License
• Old SNAP ID
• School Photo ID
• Work Photo ID
• Voter Registration Card

You must have the Social Security Number for all household members.

You must prove where you live, unless you are homeless, with one of the following:

• Current rent receipt showing landlord’s name & phone number, your mailing address, and amount of rent
• Current rental assistance agreement Current mortgage statement and/or tax bill
• Current lease
• Utility bill

If you are not able to work for medical reasons, you must bring a doctor’s note.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you need a current I-94 or current I-551 (green card).

Resources: Only if you are an Elderly/Disabled household with Income over 185% or if household has an IPV (Intentional Program Violation) or if the head of household is work sanctioned. 

• Bank Account (savings/checking)
• Savings bonds
• Money in a credit union
• Christmas Club
• IRA, Keogh or other investments
• Property deed
• Life/ medical insurance
• Real estate (other than your home)
• Burial plots/pre-paid funeral arrangements

Income: You must show how much, how often you receive it, and where it comes from, with any of the following that apply to you:

• Your last 4 pay stubs, showing gross wages and deductions. If you are self- employed, last year’s tax records, with signatures.
• Copy of pension check
• Copy of interest statement from bank
• Letter from employer giving amount of private disability
• Child Support - copy of court order or letter from absent parent/copy of check stub
• Signed/dated letter from provider of any money you receive on a regular basis
• Property deed
• Workers’ Compensation

Expenses: What you pay each month:

• Rent Receipt
• Mortgage statement
• Home Owner’s Insurance (if not included in your mortgage)
• Gas/Electric bill
• Phone bill
• Water/Sewer bill
• Coal/Wood/Oil bills
• Residential insurance
• Condo fees

Medical Bills that you pay on a regular basis (only if you are over age 60 or are disabled).

Child care: If you pay for child care so you can work, go to job training or look for a job, you need a signed and dated letter from your child care provider with the following information:

• Name of child care provider
• Hourly /weekly/or daily fee
• Number of hours per week they provide child care

As of April 2021, a change was made that requires the temporary emergency supplemental food assistance benefit a household receives to be at least $95 in additional benefits. Before April 2021, only households who were not receiving the maximum SNAP allotment for their household size received a temporary emergency supplemental benefit. Going forward, households will receive at least $95 in emergency benefits or the maximum temporary benefit for your household size, whichever is greater.

For February, these additional emergency benefits will be available when your regular SNAP benefits are available.  The maximum SNAP benefit only continues while a state of emergency is in place. Check back every month to see if the emergency allotment supplements will continue.

As of February 1, 2022, extension of Food Stamps certification periods and adjustments of interim reporting (IRF) waiver has expired. SNAP recipients must recertify their benefits and must complete interim reporting form (IRF) in order to receive them.