What is the role of social services departments?
Social Services Departments in New Jersey
The state of New Jersey has several social services departments that provide assistance to residents in need. These departments offer a wide range of services, including help with housing, food, and medical care. The state also has several programs designed to help residents find jobs and get training for new careers.
What Is New Jersey’s Social Service Agency and Website?
The New Jersey Department of Human Services is responsible for administering social service programs throughout the state. The official website for the agency is www.state.nj.us/humanservices/
What Are the Main Social Services Programs Offered by the State of New Jersey?
The main programs are Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Medicaid provides health insurance coverage for low-income individuals and families. It covers many services, including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and preventive care.
TANF provides temporary financial assistance to families with children living in poverty. The program helps families pay for basic needs such as food, housing, and utilities. It also provides job training and education opportunities to help parents find employment and self-sufficiency.
SNAP program provides financial assistance to eligible low-income individuals and families to help them purchase food. SNAP benefits are used to supplement the food budget of participating households.
To be eligible for SNAP, households must meet certain income and resource guidelines. Households with incomes below 130 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) are eligible for SNAP benefits. In addition, households with incomes between 130 and 200 percent of the FPL may also be eligible for SNAP benefits if they have high housing or childcare expenses.
Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) provides financial assistance to low-income families for the cost of child care. The CCAP is available to families working or attending school and meets income eligibility guidelines. The program pays for a portion of the cost of child care, up to a maximum amount.
LIHEAP program helps low-income families with their energy bills. It also provides weatherization and energy crisis assistance services. The program is funded by the federal government and administered by the DHS. To be eligible for LIHEAP, families must meet specific income guidelines. The program is available to families who need help paying their utility bills and those facing an energy crisis.
What Is the Official Name of the Program?
The Department of Human Services (DHS) is the State of New Jersey's lead agency for providing human services. Its programs and services are designed to promote all state residents' economic self-sufficiency, independence, and well-being, focusing on low-income families and individuals.
The DHS provides various social services through its divisions: Children and Families, Disability and Senior Services, Economic Self-Sufficiency, Health and Human Services, Juvenile Justice Commission, Prevention and Community Partnerships, and Veterans Affairs.
Is There a Website or Phone?
To apply for DHS services or find out more about what DHS can offer you or your family, visit www.dhs.state.nj.us or call 1-800-624-4143.