Essex County Dept of Citizen Services

Sometimes people feel that they shouldn't need help to put food on the table, but sometimes it's a struggle to make ends meet.  If you're not sure how or whether you can pay for your next meal or next week's groceries, New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program can help.


NJ SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps, is New Jersey's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that can help low-income families buy the groceries they need to eat healthy.



To pre-screen for SNAP or other social service programs in New Jersey,

click here. It's a quick and easy way to find out if you can get help. With an online application, you will spend less time in the office interviewing (if you are unable to go to county social services due to illness or disability) Committee, you may send an authorized representative to represent you or request a phone interview).


You can also apply by fax or post to your local county social welfare office.


After receiving the application, you will be contacted to schedule an interview to confirm the information about the application.


Also, note that households where all members are applicants or recipients of Supplemental Social Security Income (SSI) may apply for an NJ SNAP at the same time as applying for an SSI.



NJ SNAP benefits are issued via the easy-to-use "Families First" electronic benefits card.


You can sign up for NJ SNAP:



> Click online, click here.


> Or in person in your


Municipal Social Welfare Agency - Social Services Council



You must fill out the application form and bring the various documents with you.



> Snap Standard Utility Allowance of New Jersey - Federal Guide (PDF)


New Jersey SNAP Utilities Poster (PDF)



- English and Spanish


New Jersey SNAP Brochure - October 2016 (PDF)



> English > Spanish


Opening times: 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday by appointment only, (973) 733-2001, hours from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.


The office is closed to the public on the third Thursday of each month.

EBT is the US government\s electronic based system in the US for payment of monies to those approved for food and cash benefit payments.

Check EBT Card Balance
States have their methods to log in and check your ETB balance online. We provide that information on our state pages.

Apply for EBT Card
Most states allow online applications for EBT Cards through the application for Food Stamps (SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) or cash benefits through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). We provided this local office contact for those who want to apply for their EBT in person at this office. After applying for your benefits you will most likely need to come in for an interview at this or another local social service office.