Public Help (2024)

FAQs

What is the hardship program in New Jersey? ›

NJEA has created the Hardship Relief Fund to help active, retired, and student members through the temporary or permanent loss of their primary residence, food insecurity, or the loss of classroom supplies or materials due to an unforeseen event.

WorkFirst New Jersey (WFNJ) is the state's public assistance program, designed to help families move to self-sufficiency by offering them a full array of supports, from child care, health insurance and transportation, to substance abuse treatment and emergency funds.

Services under WFNJ are limited to five years. GA recipients receive a cash benefit as follows: $185 a month for an employable single adult, $277 a month for a disabled adult, $254 a month for a couple where one or both members of the couple are employable, and $382 a month for a couple where both are disabled.

Eligible persons include those who are homeless or at immediate risk of becoming homeless, and those who have experienced a substantial loss of housing, food, clothing or household furnishings due to fire, flood or similar disaster. Emergency Assistance is limited to 12 months.

Understanding 401(k) Hardship Withdrawals

Immediate and heavy expenses can include the following: Certain expenses to repair casualty losses to a principal residence (such as losses from fires, earthquakes, or floods) Expenses to prevent being foreclosed on or evicted.

The government does not offer "free money" for individuals. Federal grants are typically only for states and organizations. But you may be able to get a federal loan for education, a small business, and more. If you need help with food, health care, or utilities, visit USA.gov's benefits page.

A Five-Year Limit of Assistance During Your Lifetime

There are, however, certain situations in which you may qualify for an extension of cash assistance. Your caseworker will discuss these with you when you get close to your five-year limit. Once you use up your five years, you are no longer eligible for welfare.

A malicious scam has been surging lately, as reported by TNS' Robocall Protection team, targeting individuals who carry debt and are looking for a lifeline. Callers claiming to be from a 'financial hardship loan center' are attempting to steal victim's information or worse, digging them deeper into debt.

The email claims to be from a government agency or organization that offers financial assistance to those in need. The email says you have been approved for financial support and to call a phone number to finish enrolling in the program. However, it is all fake.

Unlike debt consolidation, where you roll your debts into one, a hardship program allows you to keep your same cards and payments until you can get back on track.

What happens if you claim financial hardship? ›

This is called a hardship notice. When you give a hardship notice (for the first time in any three-month period) the lender must stop further enforcement or legal action until it responds. This requirement does not apply if the creditor has a court judgment . Your creditor can ask you for more information.