NJ Human Services Commissioner Carole Johnson announced new funding to help support New Jerseyans’ health and well-being during this public health emergency, including:

• $36 million in food assistance to help NJ SNAP recipients afford groceries. The additional benefits will be available as part of May SNAP allotments. The Department encourages anyone in need of food assistance to visit njhelps.org to learn about and apply for New Jersey’s food assistance program.

• $24 million to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Funding will be used for a temporary wage increase for the direct support professionals (DSPs) who care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in group homes and supervised apartments. DSPs are doing tremendous work during this crisis and providing critical support to vulnerable individuals.

• $6.3 million to support meals for seniors. Funding has been distributed to counties to support home-delivered meals and other food for older residents who are particularly vulnerable to the virus. To reduce risk, senior congregate dining sites have closed, increasing the need for older residents to have support in accessing food.

• At least $20 million for emergency child care assistance for essential employees in May. Final allocation will depend on enrollment. The Department of Human Services announced last week that it will continue to pay for emergency child care for essential employees across the State for May.

“The Department of Human Services is working quickly to deliver supports and services to some of New Jersey’s most vulnerable residents during this public health emergency,” said Commissioner Carole Johnson. “We urge all New Jerseyans struggling with basic needs to visit njhelps.org to learn about the ways we can help with food, health care, and basic assistance.”

The New Jersey Department of Human Services is the State’s largest department and runs:

• NJ FamilyCare to provide no-cost or low-cost health care coverage to New Jerseyans in need;

• NJ SNAP to help individuals and families across the State afford groceries;

• NJ’s Child Care Subsidy program to help families afford child care services;

• NJ’s General Assistance, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and Emergency Assistance programs to provide basic support to individuals and families in need;

• NJ’s Division of Developmental Disabilities, Division of Disability Services, Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to support individuals with critical supports and services;

• NJ’s Aging Services to support older residents; and

• NJ’s Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder services.

To learn more about the NJ Department of Human Services and its programs and services, visit nj.gov/humanservices.