SNAP Work Requirements in New Jersey

Check if the time limit applies to you Count your months

When the new rules started in New Jersey

Most of New Jersey was under a waiver (all counties except Morris) through January 31, 2026. From February 1, 2026, the time limit applies everywhere except Camden City and Cape May County.

Waived areas in New Jersey

USDA waived Camden City and Cape May County from February 1, 2026 to January 31, 2027.

• Camden City
• Cape May County

If you live in a waived area, months there do not count toward your 3-month limit. Your state still keeps track, so the limit can apply again when the waiver ends. Waivers can end early, so confirm with your SNAP office.

Your 36-month period

New Jersey's FAQ says that if you use your 3 months, you lose SNAP "until January 31, 2027," which points to a statewide period ending that day. The start date is not stated.

You can get NJ SNAP for only 3 countable months in that period unless you meet the 80-hour rule or are exempt. The time limit calculator helps you count.

How to meet and report the 80 hours

Job and training program: SNAP Employment & Training (SNAP E&T)

SNAP E&T is free, voluntary and run with the NJ Department of Labor. Report work, program or volunteer hours and any exemption to your County Social Service Agency by phone, mail, in person, or at MyNJHelps.gov. Report within 10 days if your hours drop below 80. A screening notice is available if you think you are exempt.

Across all states, paid work, work for goods or services, volunteering, workfare and approved training count, and you can combine them. See what counts as work.

More New Jersey details

• Workfare for your assigned hours also meets the rule.
• People aged 60 to 64 still need a reason other than age to be exempt from the time limit.
• If you start meeting the rules, you can get SNAP again after 30 days, or sooner if you become exempt.

Contact

• Agency: New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Family Development; run by County Social Service Agencies
• Online account: MyNJHelps
• Phone: 1-800-687-9512 (NJ SNAP information line)

Federal rules that apply in New Jersey

• Covered: adults 18 through 64 who can work, with no child under 14 in their SNAP household.
• Exempt: pregnancy; a health condition that keeps you from working; American Indian, Alaska Native, Urban Indian or California Indian; or being excused from the general work rules (caring for a child under 6 or a disabled person, unemployment benefits, 30 hours a week or $217.50 a week, half-time school, drug or alcohol treatment, TANF work rules). See all exemptions.
• Veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and former foster youth are no longer automatically exempt.
• If you lose SNAP, you can get it back by doing 80 hours in 30 days or becoming exempt. You can also ask for a fair hearing. See how to get SNAP back.