AWCA Resource Center
AWCA Resource Center

Medicaid Specials

Medicaid General Assistance (WFNJ/GA)

The Medicaid General Assistance program is a core welfare system in New Jersey that provides integrated cash assistance, job training, and emergency housing support for low-income adults and couples without children. In New Jersey, it is known as WFNJ/GA (Work First New Jersey/General Assistance).

*OBBBA (One Big Beautiful Bill Act) implementations may affect eligibility and program details.

Eligibility

  • Target: Adults aged 18 or older residing in New Jersey (single or couples without dependent children).
  • Status: U.S. citizens or qualified immigrants (Green Card holders for 5+ years / Refugees and Asylees are eligible immediately).
  • Income: Eligibility is determined based on the ‘Schedule I/III (Initial Maximum Allowable Income)’ limits, which are significantly low—representing only about 20% to 22% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
  • Assets: Liquid assets must be $2,000 or less. (Primary residence, one vehicle, and retirement assets such as 401k or IRA plans are excluded from eligibility review).
  • Employable: Mandatory participation in 30 hours per week of work activities, job searches, vocational training, or designated work assignments (N.J.A.C. 10:90-4.1).
  • Unemployable: If you obtain and submit a medical certification of illness or disability (a Med-1 form) from a healthcare provider, you will receive a higher benefit amount and be fully exempt from all work requirements.

Benefit Amounts by Household Size

CategoryRecipientMaximum Benefit (Monthly)
EmployableSingle Adult (1 person)$185
Couple (2 people)$254
Unemployable (Disabled)Disabled Adult (1 person)$277
Disabled Couple (2 people)$382

Benefits

WFNJ/GA provides multifaceted services for self-sufficiency beyond simple cash payments.

  • Cash Assistance: Provided for a lifetime limit of 60 months. (The clock stops if you gain employment).
  • Emergency Housing Assistance: If you are facing a housing crisis, the program provides support for unpaid rent, emergency shelter, or utility arrears. Extensions for Emergency Assistance (EA) benefits are also available.


    *Under NJ DHS Emergency Assistance (EA) program regulations, there is a lifetime limit of 12 months (combined for TANF and GA). Extensions are available for up to two 6-month periods for TANF and one 6-month period for GA. 

  • Employment and Education Support:
    • Support for obtaining a High School Equivalency (GED) and Vocational Training.
    • Assistance with transportation costs for commuting and job preparation expenses.
  • Healthcare Linkage: Enrollment in WFNJ/GA automatically grants enrollment in ACA Medicaid (NJ FamilyCare).

How to Apply

  • Online: MyNJHelps.gov
  • In-Person: Local county social service offices
    • Bergen County Board of Social Services
      • Address: 218 Route 17 North, Rochelle Park, NJ 07662
      • Phone: 201-368-4200
      • Hours: Weekdays (Mon–Fri) 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Contact

  • NJ Division of Family Development Hotline: 1-800-792-9773
  • AWCA provides expert consultations free of charge (201-862-1665 / info@awcanj.org).

Resources

Resources

Medicaid Specials