The state of New Jersey offers financial assistance and other aid to low-income families and individuals through the Work First New Jersey, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (WFNJ/TANF) program. Formerly called "welfare", the plan offers temporary cash assistance as well as child care, employment training and other services to help families in need become financially self-sufficient and encourage employment. Additionally, the Federal Government and the State of New Jersey offer rental assistance and housing allowances to low-income individuals based on their circumstances.

Instructions

1. Contact your local Department of Human Services for a TANF or welfare application. For application assistance or to locate an office in your area, call the WFNJ/TANF Hotline at 1-800-792-9773. Additionally, go to the New Jersey Department of Human Services sponsored website at njhelps.org to find out which assistance programs you qualify for.
2. Have the necessary paperwork handy when you apply for aid. This includes driver's licenses, birth certificates, Social Security cards, rent and utility receipts, paycheck stubs or other proof of income. If you don't have the needed documents, the social worker assigned to your case can help you obtain them. However, waiting for documents might slow the application process.
3. Apply for other aid when you apply for welfare. Eligibility for welfare in New Jersey depends on your household size and income level. Income eligibility changes each year as the federal poverty limit fluctuates. If you are denied cash aid, you and your family still might be eligible for Food Stamps, Medicaid, low-cost child care, transportation assistance and vocational training.
4. Be prepared to work. The WFNJ/TANF program requires recipients to spend a minimum of 35 hours each week either working, seeking work or going to school. In an effort to help families get ahead, TANF payments do not immediately stop when you begin working--they gradually decrease as your income grows. If you do not attend work activities during a given month, your case might be closed and benefits can stop.
   Rental Assistance
5. Ask about state-issued low-income rental assistance at the New Jersey Housing Resource Center by calling 1-877-428-8844, or contact the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) about federally sponsored Section 8 housing at 1-800-955-2232. Both programs offer housing vouchers for partial payment of rent for qualifying low-income individuals. Additionally, if you are receiving state aid, your caseworker can direct you to a local housing authority.
6. Apply early, and prepare to wait for state rental assistance. Funds are limited, and rental assistance might take months or even years to receive. Additionally, some counties close housing assistance lists for a period until more funding is available. The elderly, disabled and families with children get preferential treatment when allocating funds.
7. Get temporary housing help through the Department of Human Services. Ask about emergency funding if you are homeless or about to become homeless, as funds are set aside for individuals and families who need help immediately. Funds usually are paid directly to your landlord to offset rent.