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Felons living in New Jersey can turn to numerous grant programs if they are having financial difficulties. The grant programs will help people with many of their living expenses, including paying rent, purchasing food, paying bills, and receiving medical care. Most of the programs are federally funded and are intended for short term use, but there are some that provide grants on a longer basis.
Grants are essentially considered to be gifts. You don’t ever have to pay them back. This is great for felons who need some assistance to get their life on track. Be sure to check the program qualifications for each grant program, because they are all different. You can also apply for as many of the programs you feel you qualify for. There is no limit to the number of programs you can receive help from at one time.
Grants for Felons in New Jersey
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – The SNAP program was formerly referred to as food stamps. It’s a federally funded program that provides people with a monthly grant to purchase food. Felons who need food assistance may qualify for a grant. If approved, they provide a debit style card where the funds are electronically added each month. The card can be used to pay for food at the grocery store and some farmers markets. To qualify for SNAP, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal alien. To apply for SNAP in New Jersey, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – The TANF program provides those who qualify with a monthly cash grant. The cash can be used to pay for a wide variety of living expenses, including food, clothing, transportation, bills, and rent. You can only receive a TANF grant for up to five years, and you may have to participate in a work program to receive it. To qualify for TANF, you have to have at least one minor child you are caring for, be a citizen or legal alien, and have a low income. To apply, click here.
General Assistance (GA) – Similar to the TANF program, this one provides people with a cash grant to help with living expenses. The difference is that this program is for those who do not have a minor child they are caring for. The grant can go to individuals who need help, but you do also have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal alien. To apply, click here.
Transportation Assistance – Felons who need help paying for transportation expenses may qualify for help through the state. They will help people pay for such things as bus or train passes. To get more information, click here.
Medicaid – Those who need help paying for medical bills may qualify for the federally funded Medicaid program. The program will pay for doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, substance abuse treatment, dental work, and more. To qualify, you have to be a citizen of the state, be a US citizen or legal alien, and meet the low income requirements. To apply, click here.
Supportive Assistance to Individuals and Families (SAIF) – This program is designed to provide help to those who have already met the five years that they can receive help through the TANF program. Those who qualify will receive help in the areas that they need it, which may include with childcare costs, transportation, or substance abuse treatment. They will work with a case manager who will help them determine what type of grants and services they need. To apply, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – Felons who need help paying for the energy bills may qualify for help through LIHEAP. This federally funded program will pay one energy bill per year for those who qualify. You will need to re-apply each year that you need the grant. The program runs from October 1 to July 31 each year. If you receive an energy grant it will be paid directly to the energy provider. To qualify, you have to have a very low income. The program will also help people with their cooling bills and weatherization services, which can help people save money on their monthly utility bills. To apply, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Those who need help with their housing needs may be able to get assistance through HUD. Their programs will help pay for rent, avoid foreclosure, become a homeowner, receive weatherization services, and get access to affordable housing. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal alien. To get more information, click here.
In addition to the grants for felons in New Jersey that are listed above, it’s a good idea to check with your local churches. They often have programs that help people in need, including providing them with food, clothing, transportation vouchers, and more.
