What types of benefits or assistance are available to me during the coronavirus outbreak?

Health Insurance: If you do not have health insurance, or lose coverage, you may be eligible for free or low-cost coverage through NJ FamilyCare, New Jersey’s publicly funded health insurance program. In addition, individuals may purchase health insurance on the State’s new health exchange, GetCoveredNJ, and may be eligible for subsidy assistance and premium tax credits. Learn more here

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Prescription Drug Refills: Medicaid and other health insurance must provide coverage of prescription drug refills even when the covered person has not yet reached the scheduled refill date. Learn more here.

Job Assistance: If you’ve lost your job and are seeking help, you are not alone. Connect with benefits and resources you need while you are trying to safely get back to work. Learn more here.

Unemployment Benefits: If your work has been affected by COVID-19, you likely qualify for Unemployment benefits. Eligibility has been expanded, compensation has been increased by $600 per week, and benefits are available for an additional 13 weeks. Learn more here or check your eligibility for benefits programs with here.

Food Assistance: If you need food assistance, you may be eligible for NJ SNAP, New Jersey’s food assistance program. To learn more go to NJSNAP.gov or to apply go to NJHELPS.org. New Jersey WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) is allowing remote access to benefits and additional food items. Learn more here.

Cash Assistance: Work First New Jersey (WFNJ), which includes Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and General Assistance (GA), provides monthly cash. Learn more here.

Family Leave Benefits: If you must care for children or family members due to the coronavirus outbreak, you may be eligible for federal emergency Childcare FMLA or New Jersey Family Leave Insurance (FLI). It’s against the law for an employer to retaliate against you for taking FLI, and your job may be protected under the Family Leave Act. Learn more here or check your eligibility for benefits programs with here.

Temporary Disability Benefits: If you’re unable to work due to illness, self-quarantine, or pregnancy, you may be able to apply for Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI). It’s against the law for an employer to retaliate against you for taking TDI, and your job may be protected under the Family Leave Act. Learn more here or check your eligibility for benefits programs with here.

Sick Leave: If you are sick, need time to care for others, or are unable to work due to the public health emergency, you may eligible for New Jersey Earned Sick Leave, or emergency federal paid sick leave, paid by your employer. Learn more here or check your eligibility for benefits programs with here.

Legal Aid: If you are in need of legal assistance or advice, there are many legal services available for free to low-income New Jerseyans on a range of issues including debt, domestic violence, eviction, applying for public benefits, immigration, and more. Learn more here.

Job Protection: A new law prohibits employers from firing, demoting or otherwise punishing workers if they take time off because they have or are likely to have COVID-19. Learn more here.

Job Search: Business across New Jersey are looking to hire thousands of workers, including those who lost their jobs or have had hours reduced as a result of COVID-19. Learn more here.

Resources for Businesses: For information on loans, programs, or resources to support businesses impacted by COVID-19, visit the State of New Jersey’s COVID-19 Business Information Hub. Learn more here.

Resources for Freelancers, Contractors, and Gig Workers: The recently enacted CARES ACT extends unemployment benefits to freelancers, gig workers and independent contractors, who typically are not eligible. Learn more here.

Eviction Protection: During the public health emergency, individuals cannot be removed as the result of an eviction or foreclosure proceeding. If you are a renter facing hardship, you may be eligible for housing assistance or for housing counseling. Learn more here.

Mortgage Relief: If you are facing economic hardship as a result of COVID-19, you may be able to request mortgage payment forbearance for up to 90 days. Learn more here.

Homelessness Services: New Jersey residents experiencing homelessness can get help with food, shelter, and finances. Learn more here.

Child Care Resources: If you are an essential employee, you can get support for child care costs. Learn more here.

Mental Health Resources: Help is available for individuals feeling stressed, anxious, depressed, or suicidal. Learn more here.

Substance Use/Addiction Treatment: Help is available for individuals seeking assistance for substance use disorders. Learn more here.

Resources for Immigrants: Help is available for immigrant families and individuals in New Jersey, including information on COVID-19 in a variety of languages, resoures and assistance for immigrants, and information on immigration enforcement policy. Learn more here.

COVID-19 Testing and Treatment for Undocumented Immigrants: Free testing and treatment is available at Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) regardless of your immigration status or if you have insurance. Learn more here.

Resources for Veterans: Help is available for veterans and their families to cope with the stress of the coronavirus outbreak. Learn more here.

Domestic Violence Hotlines: Help is available for survivors of domestic violence. Learn more here.

Resources for Older Residents: Help is available for older New Jerseyans including meal deliveries, food benefits, prescription drug refills, and Medicare counseling. Learn more here.

Resources for Individuals with Disabilities: Help is available for individuals with disabilities including programs to save money, resources during an emergency, and updated hospitalization procedures. Learn more here.

Assistance for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Resources are available for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Learn more here.

Energy Assistance: LIHEAP helps eligible NJ residents with heating and cooling bills and makes provisions for emergency heating system services and emergency fuel assistance. Learn more here.