New Jersey is already a leader in advancing food security and improving access to NJ SNAP, including allowing the longest recertification periods permitted under federal rules. Under this new law, New Jersey is making these certification periods permanent so that NJ SNAP enrollees are able to maintain their benefits for no less than 12 months or a period of no less than 24 months for households in which every adult is elderly and/or disabled – the maximum amount of time permitted under federal regulations.
“By ensuring every eligible household receives their SNAP benefits for the maximum time allowed before needing to have their benefits recertified, we will make it easier for low-income families to access and retain the food assistance they need,” said Governor Murphy. “Cutting down on the frequency with which households must reapply for their benefits, we will make life easier for many residents already struggling to make ends meet and help them continue to put food on the table for their families.”
“No one should go hungry. But access to affordable and nutritious food continues to be challenging for many. That is why the Governor, Legislature and Human Services continue taking every step to expand the availability of SNAP food assistance benefits so they go farther and reach more people,” said Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman. “With today’s bill signing we are making the process easier so individuals can keep and rely on needed assistance for as long as possible.”
“I continue to be incredibly grateful and inspired by the leadership of Governor Murphy and our partners in the Legislature in the efforts to build a more food secure New Jersey. Benefit recertification is no small feat for families experiencing food insecurity and its many challenges, such as lack of safe, stable, and humane housing,” said Mark Dinglasan, Executive Director of the NJ Office of the Food Security Advocate. “Gathering necessary documents, getting access to a computer or a phone, and even getting access to your mail all require more time and support when you are food insecure. Every opportunity and every chance we can provide families to have time to catch their breath, think long-term, and plan is critical and matters so much. At a time when food insecurity is rising in New Jersey, legislation like this matters more than ever.”
The Commissioner will apply for any federal waivers or approvals and adopt any rules and regulations necessary to implement the new law. Exceptions will be permitted for situations in which shorter certification periods are necessary for other programs or for the expedited issuance of initial benefits.
SNAP enrollees will only have to complete the interim report mid-way through their certification period to update their information and/or report any changes. These mid-way checks help make sure the department has the most up-to-date household information to ensure families receive the maximum benefit for which they are eligible.
This legislation builds on the Administration’s ongoing efforts to address food insecurity throughout the state, including a bill the Governor signed earlier this year to ensure every SNAP household in New Jersey would continue to receive at least $95 in monthly benefits once the federal government’s emergency allotments came to an end.
Sponsors of the legislation include Senator Nellie Pou and Assemblywoman Shanique Speight, as well as Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz and Assembly members Angela McKnight, Reginald Atkins, and Annette Quijano
