Although Mercer County Board of Social Services (MCBOSS) is temporarily closed to the public until further notice, agency business is still being conducted. You do not need to come into the office to apply, renew or provide documentation for benefits.
If you need to provide information or verification to MCBOSS, please use the following fax number and email address; or look for the drop box located at the front door at MCBOSS located at 200 Woolverton Street, Trenton, New Jersey.
Fax: 609-394-6638
Email Address: [email protected]
If you need to contact MCBOSS, please call 609-989-4320.
Please have patience as we work to address any concerns you may have regarding your benefits. Remember, we are all in this together!
PROGRAM UPDATE - October 5, 2021
Important Information Regarding Your NJ SNAP Benefits
Effective October 1, 2021, the maximum NJ SNAP benefit allotment has been increased. The table below shows the new allotment amount for your household size..
Maximum NJ Snap Monthly Benefit Allotment
|
People in Household
|
Maximum Monthly Allotment
|
|
1
|
$250
|
|
2
|
$459
|
|
3
|
$658
|
|
4
|
$835
|
|
5
|
$992
|
|
6
|
$1,190
|
|
7
|
$1,316
|
|
8
|
$1,504
|
|
Each additional person
|
+$188
|
You can check your benefits balance by calling 1-800-997-3333 or online at www.NJFamiliesFirst.com.
PROGRAM UPDATE - April 1, 2021
Important Information Regarding Your NJ SNAP Benefits
If you received a lesser SNAP benefit amount than you expected for April, we are aware of these reduced payments and the New Jersey Department of Human Services is working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to resolve this concern. It is expected that the additional benefits will be added to your SNAP card in the coming days.
You can check your benefits balance by calling 1-800-997-3333 or online at http://www.NJFamiliesFirst.com.
PROGRAM UPDATE - February 26, 2021
Eligible NJ SNAP recipients:
SNAP Supplement - To help you buy food during this public health crisis, eligible SNAP recipients received an extra SNAP benefit from March 2020 through February 2021. This extra SNAP benefit is being extended to your March 2021 issuance. The amount of SNAP issuance is the difference between your regular SNAP benefit and the maximum benefit for your family size.
Additionally, on Sunday December 27th, 2020 the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 was signed into law. This law included a 15% increase in SNAP benefits to be provided from January 2021 - June 2021. Please refer to the chart below.
This extra benefit is added directly to your Families First EBT card.
(USE THE CHART TO UNDERSTAND HOW MUCH TO EXPECT IF ELIGIBLE.)
|
People in Household
|
Maximum Monthly Allotment
|
|
1
|
$234
|
|
2
|
$430
|
|
3
|
$616
|
|
4
|
$782
|
|
5
|
$929
|
|
6
|
$1,114
|
|
7
|
$1,232
|
|
8
|
$1,408
|
|
Each additional person
|
+$176
|
If you want to check your balance before you go to the grocery store, please visit www.NJFamiliesFirst.com where you can view your current card balance and transaction history, or go to an ATM and check your balance there. You also can call customer service at 1-800-997-3333. The call center may be experiencing higher call volumes, so please be patient. Please do not check your balance at the grocery store where cashiers may be very busy.
PROGRAM UPDATE - January 29, 2021
Eligible NJ SNAP recipients:
SNAP Supplement - To help you buy food during this public health crisis, eligible SNAP recipients received an extra SNAP benefit from March through December 2020 and January 2021. This extra SNAP benefit is being extended to your February 2021 issuance. The amount of SNAP issuance is the difference between your regular SNAP benefit and the maximum benefit for your family size.
Additionally, on Sunday December 27th, 2020 the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 was signed into law. This law included a 15% increase in SNAP benefits to be provided from January 2021 - June 2021. Please refer to the chart below.
This extra benefit is added directly to your Families First EBT card.
(USE THE CHART TO UNDERSTAND HOW MUCH TO EXPECT IF ELIGIBLE.)
|
People in Household
|
Maximum Monthly Allotment
|
|
1
|
$234
|
|
2
|
$430
|
|
3
|
$616
|
|
4
|
$782
|
|
5
|
$929
|
|
6
|
$1,114
|
|
7
|
$1,232
|
|
8
|
$1,408
|
|
Each additional person
|
+$176
|
If you want to check your balance before you go to the grocery store, please visit www.NJFamiliesFirst.com where you can view your current card balance and transaction history, or go to an ATM and check your balance there. You also can call customer service at 1-800-997-3333. The call center may be experiencing higher call volumes, so please be patient. Please do not check your balance at the grocery store where cashiers may be very busy.
PROGRAM UPDATE - December 29, 2020
Eligible NJ SNAP recipients:
SNAP Supplement - To help you buy food during this public health crisis, eligible SNAP recipients received an extra SNAP benefit from March through December 2020. This extra SNAP benefit is being extended to your January 2021 issuance. The amount of SNAP issuance is the difference between your regular SNAP benefit and the maximum benefit for your family size.
Additionally, on Sunday December 27th, 2020 the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 was signed into law. This law included a 15% increase in SNAP benefits to be provided from January 2021 - June 2021. Please refer to the chart below.
This extra benefit is added directly to your Families First EBT card.
(USE THE CHART TO UNDERSTAND HOW MUCH TO EXPECT IF ELIGIBLE.)
|
People in Household
|
Maximum Monthly Allotment
|
|
1
|
$234
|
|
2
|
$430
|
|
3
|
$616
|
|
4
|
$782
|
|
5
|
$929
|
|
6
|
$1,114
|
|
7
|
$1,232
|
|
8
|
$1,408
|
|
Each additional person
|
+$176
|
If you want to check your balance before you go to the grocery store, please visit www.NJFamiliesFirst.com where you can view your current card balance and transaction history, or go to an ATM and check your balance there. You also can call customer service at 1-800-997-3333. The call center may be experiencing higher call volumes, so please be patient. Please do not check your balance at the grocery store where cashiers may be very busy.
PROGRAM UPDATE - September 30, 2020
Eligible NJ SNAP recipients:
SNAP Supplement - To help you buy food during this public health crisis, eligible SNAP recipients received an extra SNAP benefit for March, April, May, June, July, August and September. This extra SNAP benefit is being extended to your October issuance. The amount of SNAP issuance is the difference between your regular SNAP benefit and the maximum benefit for your family size.
If you already receive the monthly maximum benefit, you will not be eligible for this extra payment.
For example, for a family of one, the maximum benefit is $204 per month. If your regular benefit is $16 for the month, your extra benefit will be $188.
This extra benefit is added directly to your Families First EBT card.
(USE THE CHART TO UNDERSTAND HOW MUCH TO EXPECT IF ELIGIBLE.)
|
People in Household
|
Maximum Monthly Allotment
|
|
1
|
$204
|
|
2
|
$374
|
|
3
|
$535
|
|
4
|
$680
|
|
5
|
$807
|
|
6
|
$969
|
|
7
|
$1,071
|
|
8
|
$1,224
|
|
Each additional person
|
+$153
|
*Please note the maximum monthly allotment has increased effective October 1, 2020
If you want to check your balance before you go to the grocery store, please visit www.NJFamiliesFirst.com where you can view your current card balance and transaction history, or go to an ATM and check your balance there. You also can call customer service at 1-800-997-3333. The call center may be experiencing higher call volumes, so please be patient. Please do not check your balance at the grocery store where cashiers may be very busy.
PROGRAM UPDATE - August 31, 2020
Eligible NJ SNAP recipients:
SNAP Supplement - To help you buy food during this public health crisis, eligible SNAP recipients received an extra SNAP benefit for March, April, May, June, July and August. This extra SNAP benefit is being extended to your September issuance. The amount of SNAP issuance is the difference between your regular SNAP benefit and the maximum benefit for your family size.
If you already receive the monthly maximum benefit, you will not be eligible for this extra payment.
For example, for a family of one, the maximum benefit is $194 per month. If your regular benefit is $16 for the month, your extra benefit will be $178.
This extra benefit is added directly to your Families First EBT card..
(USE THE CHART TO UNDERSTAND HOW MUCH TO EXPECT IF ELIGIBLE.)
|
People in Household
|
Maximum Monthly Allotment
|
|
1
|
$194
|
|
2
|
$355
|
|
3
|
$509
|
|
4
|
$646
|
|
5
|
$768
|
|
6
|
$921
|
|
7
|
$1,018
|
|
8
|
$1,164
|
|
Each additional person
|
+$146
|
If you want to check your balance before you go to the grocery store, please visit www.NJFamiliesFirst.com where you can view your current card balance and transaction history, or go to an ATM and check your balance there. You also can call customer service at 1-800-997-3333. The call center may be experiencing higher call volumes, so please be patient. Please do not check your balance at the grocery store where cashiers may be very busy.
PROGRAM UPDATE - July 29, 2020
Eligible NJ Emergency Assistance Recipients:
If you are currently receiving Emergency Assistance benefits you will be permitted to continue receiving such services until August 31, 2020 unless you voluntarily leave your placement or violate any shelter/hotel rules. Doing so will jeopardize your continuation of benefits.
PROGRAM UPDATE - July 27, 2020
Eligible NJ SNAP recipients:
SNAP Supplement - To help you buy food during this public health crisis, eligible SNAP recipients received an extra SNAP benefit for March, April, May, June and July. This extra SNAP benefit is being extended to your August issuance. The amount of SNAP issuance is the difference between your regular SNAP benefit and the maximum benefit for your family size.
If you already receive the monthly maximum benefit, you will not be eligible for this extra payment.
For example, for a family of one, the maximum benefit is $194 per month. If your regular benefit is $16 for the month, your extra benefit will be $178.
This extra benefit is added directly to your Families First EBT card.
(USE THE CHART TO UNDERSTAND HOW MUCH TO EXPECT IF ELIGIBLE.)
|
People in Household
|
Maximum Monthly Allotment
|
|
1
|
$194
|
|
2
|
$355
|
|
3
|
$509
|
|
4
|
$646
|
|
5
|
$768
|
|
6
|
$921
|
|
7
|
$1,018
|
|
8
|
$1,164
|
|
Each additional person
|
+$146
|
If you want to check your balance before you go to the grocery store, please visit www.NJFamiliesFirst.com where you can view your current card balance and transaction history, or go to an ATM and check your balance there. You also can call customer service at 1-800-997-3333. The call center may be experiencing higher call volumes, so please be patient. Please do not check your balance at the grocery store where cashiers may be very busy.
PROGRAM UPDATE - June 22, 2020
Eligible NJ SNAP recipients:
SNAP Supplement - To help you buy food during this public health crisis, eligible SNAP recipients received an extra SNAP benefit for March, April, May and June. This extra SNAP benefit is being extended to your July issuance. The amount of SNAP issuance is the difference between your regular SNAP benefit and the maximum benefit for your family size.
If you already receive the monthly maximum benefit, you will not be eligible for this extra payment.
For example, for a family of one, the maximum benefit is $194 per month. If your regular benefit is $16 for the month, your extra benefit will be $178.
This extra benefit is added directly to your Families First EBT card.
(USE THE CHART TO UNDERSTAND HOW MUCH TO EXPECT IF ELIGIBLE.)
|
People in Household
|
Maximum Monthly Allotment
|
|
1
|
$194
|
|
2
|
$355
|
|
3
|
$509
|
|
4
|
$646
|
|
5
|
$768
|
|
6
|
$921
|
|
7
|
$1,018
|
|
8
|
$1,164
|
|
Each additional person
|
+$146
|
If you want to check your balance before you go to the grocery store, please visit www.NJFamiliesFirst.com where you can view your current card balance and transaction history, or go to an ATM and check your balance there. You also can call customer service at 1-800-997-3333. The call center may be experiencing higher call volumes, so please be patient. Please do not check your balance at the grocery store where cashiers may be very busy.
Work First New Jersey Cash Assistance Recipients:
Work First New Jersey cash assistance recipients who are due for their case to be redetermined for June 1st or July 1st will automatically get a 60-day extension. MCBOSS eligibility staff will be contacting you via telephone to complete your redetermination interview throughout the month of July. You do not need to come into the office
Eligible NJ Emergency Assistance Recipients:
If you are currently receiving Emergency Assistance benefits you will be permitted to continue receiving such services until July 31, 2020 unless you voluntarily leave your placement or violate any shelter/hotel rules. Doing so will jeopardize your continuation of benefits.
PROGRAM UPDATE - May 28, 2020
Eligible NJ Emergency Assistance Recipients:
If you are currently receiving Emergency Assistance benefits you will be permitted to continue receiving such services until June 30, 2020 or until the State of Emergency in New Jersey is lifted, unless you voluntarily leave your placement or violate any shelter/hotel rules. Doing so will jeopardize your continuation of benefits.
PROGRAM UPDATE - May 20, 2020
Eligible NJ SNAP recipients:
SNAP Supplement - To help you buy food during this public health crisis, eligible SNAP recipients received an extra SNAP benefit for March, April and May. This extra SNAP benefit is being extended to your June issuance. The amount of SNAP issuance is the difference between your regular SNAP benefit and the maximum benefit for your family size.
If you already receive the monthly maximum benefit, you will not be eligible for this extra payment.
For example, for a family of one, the maximum benefit is $194 per month. If your regular benefit is $16 for the month, your extra benefit will be $178.
This extra benefit is added directly to your Families First EBT card.
(USE THE CHART TO UNDERSTAND HOW MUCH TO EXPECT IF ELIGIBLE.)
|
People in Household
|
Maximum Monthly Allotment
|
|
1
|
$194
|
|
2
|
$355
|
|
3
|
$509
|
|
4
|
$646
|
|
5
|
$768
|
|
6
|
$921
|
|
7
|
$1,018
|
|
8
|
$1,164
|
|
Each additional person
|
+$146
|
If you want to check your balance before you go to the grocery store, please visit www.NJFamiliesFirst.com where you can view your current card balance and transaction history, or go to an ATM and check your balance there. You also can call customer service at 1-800-997-3333. The call center may be experiencing higher call volumes, so please be patient. Please do not check your balance at the grocery store where cashiers may be very busy.
PROGRAM UPDATE - April 30, 2020
Eligible NJ Emergency Assistance Recipients:
If you are currently receiving Emergency Assistance benefits you will be permitted to continue receiving such services until May 31, 2020 or until the State of Emergency in New Jersey is lifted, unless you voluntarily leave your placement or violate any shelter/hotel rules. Doing so will jeopardize your continuation of benefits.
Temporary Changes Regarding Services Administered at MCBOSS
Although Mercer County Board of Social Services (MCBOSS) is temporarily closed to the public until further notice, agency business is still being conducted. You do not need to come into the office to apply, renew or provide documentation for benefits.
Ensuring you receive your benefits during this ongoing coronavirus concern is a top priority, so in an effort to make it easier for you to apply or receive your benefits, a number of temporary changes have been put in place regarding social services that are administered at MCBOSS.
MCBOSS is encouraging county residents who want to apply for SNAP food assistance, cash assistance under the Work First New Jersey program or Family Care Medicaid to do so online at NJHelps.org. During this public health crisis, interviews will be conducted by phone, so you do not need to come into the office to apply for benefits.
Work First New Jersey cash assistance recipients who are due for their case to be redetermined for May 1st or June 1st will automatically get a 60-day extension. MCBOSS eligibility staff will be contacting you via telephone to complete your redetermination interview throughout the month of May. You do not need to come into the office.
SNAP food assistance recipients, if your recertification period is expiring April 30th, May 31st or June 30th, your certification period will be extended for a period of 6 months. You will receive your benefits on your regularly scheduled day. Your case will be recertified at some point in the future once this public health crisis has settled. In the meantime, you will continue to receive SNAP benefits.
If you are a SNAP food assistance or a Work First New Jersey cash assistance recipient, you are not required to attend your work activity, unless you want to, and the program is operating. This includes people who are applying for Work First New Jersey General Assistance and are in a work activity for 28 days while their application is being reviewed. No penalty will be assessed to you if you do not attend your work activity.
If you need to provide information or verification to MCBOSS, please use the following fax number and email address; or look for the drop box located at the front door at MCBOSS located at 200 Woolverton Street, Trenton, New Jersey.
Fax: 609-394-6638
Email Address: [email protected]
If you need to contact MCBOSS, please call 609-989-4320.
PROGRAM UPDATE - April 27, 2020
Eligible NJ Emergency Assistance Recipients:
SNAP Supplement - To help you buy food during this public health crisis, eligible SNAP recipients received an extra SNAP benefit for March and April. This extra SNAP benefit is being extended to your May issuance. The amount of SNAP issuance is the difference between your regular SNAP benefit and the maximum benefit for your family size.
If you already receive the monthly maximum benefit, you will not be eligible for this extra payment.
For example, for a family of one, the maximum benefit is $194 per month. If your regular benefit is $16 for the month, your extra benefit will be $178.
This extra benefit is added directly to your Families First EBT card.
(USE THE CHART TO UNDERSTAND HOW MUCH TO EXPECT IF ELIGIBLE.)
|
People in Household
|
Maximum Monthly Allotment
|
|
1
|
$194
|
|
2
|
$355
|
|
3
|
$509
|
|
4
|
$646
|
|
5
|
$768
|
|
6
|
$921
|
|
7
|
$1,018
|
|
8
|
$1,164
|
|
Each additional person
|
+$146
|
If you want to check your balance before you go to the grocery store, please visit www.NJFamiliesFirst.com where you can view your current card balance and transaction history, or go to an ATM and check your balance there. You also can call customer service at 1-800-997-3333. The call center may be experiencing higher call volumes, so please be patient. Please do not check your balance at the grocery store where cashiers may be very busy.
PROGRAM UPDATE - April 6, 2020
Eligible NJ Emergency Assistance Recipients:
If you are currently receiving Emergency Assistance benefits you will be permitted to continue receiving such services until April 30, 2020 or until the State of Emergency in New Jersey is lifted unless you voluntarily leave your placement or violate any shelter/hotel rules. Doing so will jeopardize your continuation of benefits.
PROGRAM UPDATE - March 31, 2020
Eligible NJ SNAP recipients:
SNAP Supplement - To help you buy food during this public health crisis, on Sunday, March 29, eligible SNAP recipients received an extra SNAP benefit. The amount you received is the difference between your regular SNAP benefit and the maximum benefit for your family size. If you already receive the maximum benefit, you will not be eligible for this extra payment. You will be able to spend this benefit beyond March.
For example, for a family of one, the maximum benefit is $194 per month. If your regular benefit for March was $16 this month, your extra benefit would be $178. This applies for April benefits as well.
This extra benefit is added directly to your Families First EBT card.
(USE THE CHART TO UNDERSTAND HOW MUCH TO EXPECT IF ELIGIBLE.)
|
People in Household
|
Maximum Monthly Allotment
|
|
1
|
$194
|
|
2
|
$355
|
|
3
|
$509
|
|
4
|
$646
|
|
5
|
$768
|
|
6
|
$921
|
|
7
|
$1,018
|
|
8
|
$1,164
|
|
Each additional person
|
+$146
|
You will receive your April SNAP benefits at your regular time, which also will be at the maximum amount.
If you want to check your balance before you go to the grocery store, please visit www.NJFamiliesFirst.com where you can view your current card balance and transaction history, or go to an ATM and check your balance there. You also can call customer service at 1-800-997-3333. The call center may be experiencing higher call volumes, so please be patient. Please do not check your balance at the grocery store where cashiers may be very busy.
PROGRAM UPDATE - March 25, 2020
Ensuring you receive your benefits during this ongoing coronavirus concern is a top priority, so in an effort to make it easier for you to apply or receive your benefits, a number of temporary changes have been put in place regarding social services that are administered at MCBOSS.
MCBOSS is encouraging county residents who want to apply for SNAP food assistance, cash assistance under the Work First New Jersey program or Family Care Medicaid to do so online at NJHelps.org. During this public health crisis, interviews will be conducted by phone, so you do not need to come into the office to apply for benefits.
Work First New Jersey cash assistance recipients who were due for redetermination April 1st or May 1st will automatically get a 60-day extension. You do not need to come into the office.
SNAP food assistance recipients, if your case was due to be recertified for April 1st or May 1st your case will not be closed. You will receive your benefits on your regularly scheduled day. Your case will be recertified at some point in the future once this public health crisis has settled. In the meantime, you will continue to receive SNAP benefits.
If you are a SNAP food assistance or a Work First New Jersey cash assistance recipient, you are not required to attend your work activity, unless you want to, and the program is operating. This includes people who are applying for Work First New Jersey General Assistance and are in a work activity for 28 days while their application is being reviewed. No penalty will be assessed to you if you do not attend your work activity.
All emergency assistance recipients will automatically have their emergency benefits extended through April 30, 2020.
Family Care medical assistance recipients, if your case is due to be redetermined for March or April and you were unable to get your paperwork in or complete your redetermination application, your case will not be closed. You will continue to be covered under your current health plan. Your case will be re-evaluated at some point in the future once this public health crisis has settled.