EMERGENCY SNAP EXTRA BENEFITS ARE ENDING IN FEBRUARY 2023
If you are calling regarding changes to your SNAP benefits please be aware of the following changes:
Due to a recent change in federal law, the extra temporary benefits SNAP recipients have received, known as SNAP Emergency Allotments, are ending nationwide in February 2023.
This means you will receive your regular SNAP benefit starting March 1, 2023. The minimum monthly SNAP benefit in New Jersey is now $95.
Re-opening Announcement
Effective Monday, January 24, 2022, the Mercer County Board of Social Services will reopen on a limited capacity basis to the public. Hours of operation will be Monday through Friday from 8:30 am until 4:30 pm (excluding holidays). Our Tuesday night extended hours are suspended until further notice. Before coming to the agency, please review the following frequently asked questions to determine if a visit is necessary. If after reading the following information you are still uncertain if there is a need to visit the agency, please call 609.989.4320 and follow the voice prompts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I need to apply in person?
A. No, you do not need to apply in person for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), General Assistance (GA) or New Jersey Family Care (Medicaid). You can apply for these benefits online via www.njhelps.org, https://oneapp.dhs.state.nj.us/ or if you are applying for child support services, please visit www.NJchildsupport.org. Applying online is the safest and most effective way to apply for benefits. For all other benefit types, including housing assistance, or if you do not have access to the internet, you may contact 609.989.4320 to determine how best to apply.
Q. I am homeless and in need of help, what can I do?
A. You should contact the Homeless Hotline at 609.468.8296 during normal business hours. If you are homeless and it is after business hours or during the weekend, please call NJ 2-1-1 for assistance.
Q. I am behind in my rent or utilities and facing eviction, what can I do?
A. You can apply for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) at www.mercercounty.org/ERAP.
Q. I need to return paperwork or provide verifications, how can I do that?
A. Paperwork or verifications can be mailed back to the agency at the following address:
Mercer County Board of Social Services
200 Woolverton St
PO Box 1450
Trenton, NJ 08650
In addition, paperwork can be left in the green agency drop box at the customer entrance of the building. Paperwork may also be emailed to the agency at [email protected] or faxed to 609.394.6638.
Q. If I arrive at the agency after January 24th, 2022, will I be seen?
A. We will be reopening on a limited capacity basis. You may be scheduled for a telephone appointment for a later date. We encourage applicants to apply online via www.njhelps.org, https://oneapp.dhs.state.nj.us/ or www.NJchildsupport.org.
Q. What are the current COVID-19 protocols for coming to the agency?
A. If you are required to be here in person, the agency has implemented the following procedures to ensure the safety of our staff and visitors:
- Masks are required in every area of the building
- Temperature scanning will be conducted
- Sanitizing stations are available
- Visitors must stay six feet apart to comply with social distancing measures
- Due to limited capacity only caregivers or dependents may accompany an applicant into the building.
- If you are not feeling well, do NOT enter the agency. If you need (immediate) assistance, you may call 609.989.4320.
Q. I lost my Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, how can I receive a new one?
A. You may call 609.989.4320 wait for the prompt and report a lost or damaged EBT card. You will receive a new card in the mail.