New Jersey’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, NJ SNAP, provides food assistance to low-income families to help them buy groceries. SNAP is a federal program, but it is administered at the state level by the Department of Human Services in New Jersey. NJ SNAP benefits are paid out according to the same monthly schedule based on the seventh digit of your case number, including December 2022.

                By                    Josephine Nesbit

Learn: How You Can Still Claim Child Tax Credit if You Missed Nov. 17 DeadlineSee: How Food Stamps and TANF Differ — And Can You Qualify for Both?

NJ SNAP benefits are paid out on a Families First Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which works just like a debit card. The Families First EBT card can be used in most grocery stores and some participating farmers’ markets. Your benefits can also be used online, but make sure to check with your local store about online availability.

More From Your Money: Choose a high-interest saving, checking, CD, or investing account from our list of top banks to start saving today.

To find out where you can use your NJ SNAP benefits, check the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s SNAP Retailer Locator. Click “Enter the SNAP Retailer Locator” and enter your address. For a list of markets that accept NJ SNAP benefits, visit here.

According to the New Jersey Department of Human Services, your NJ SNAP benefits can be used to purchase:

  • Fruits and vegetablesBeans, fish, poultry, meatRice, bread, tortillas, cerealMilk and cheeseSeeds and plants that produce food

However, there are restrictions on what you can purchase. NJ SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy alcohol, tobacco, cigarettes, non-food items, vitamins or medicine. Also, while allowed in states that participate in the Restaurant Meals Program, the purchase of hot and prepared food or meals is prohibited with SNAP benefits in New Jersey.

How To Score EBT Discounts

SNAP benefits also come with other perks. Here are a few additional bargains you can get with your New Jersey Families First EBT card:

You can apply for NJ SNAP either through your County Welfare Agency or online. Click here to check your eligibility, apply online or download an application to apply in person.

Child Tax Credit: New Jersey Governor Clarifies $500 Payments Will Be Available in 2023State Stimulus Checks 2023: What To Know About Payments Coming Next Year

NJ SNAP benefits are sent out over the first five calendar days of the month, based on the seventh digit of your case number. However, there is one exception. In Warren County, all benefits are sent out on the first of the month. Here is the deposit schedule for December 2022:

All SNAP recipients, including those receiving NJ SNAP benefits, will get a financial boost thanks to a major cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for fiscal year 2023. The COLA kicked in starting Oct. 1, 2022, and will hike the maximum monthly benefit by 12.5%.

  • Dollar Tree: 5 High-Quality Items To Buy NowDo You Have a Tax Question? Ask a Tax ProThe 10 Best Cash Back Credit Cards for 20236 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Procrastinate on Your Taxes