NJ COVID-19 Updates and More

If you or your family need help putting food on the table for Thanksgiving, throughout the holidays, or beyond, the following organizations have resources to help you find food pantries and other assistance in your area.

Atlantic County, Cape May County, Cumberland County

• Community Food Bank of NJ
• Rural Development Corporation

Monmouth County, Ocean County

• Fulfill

Hunterdon County, Sussex County, Warren County

• Norwescap

Mercer County

• Mercer Street Friends
• Trenton Area Soup Kitchen

Burlington County

• Food Bank of South Jersey

Salem County, Gloucester County, Camden County

• Rural Development Corporation
• Food Bank of South Jersey

Bergen County, Essex County, Hudson County, Middlesex County, Morris County, Passaic County, Somerset County, Union County

• Community Food Bank of NJ

If you or your family members would like to lend a helping hand during Thanksgiving or this holiday season, there are numerous opportunities to donate time or resources. The organizations listed above welcome your help putting food on New Jerseyans' tables this holiday season.

You can also reach out to a local charity or service organization in your community. Visit Jersey Cares to find volunteer opportunities near you.

If you are having trouble paying your electric, sewer, or water bills, you may be eligible to avoid disconnection through the Winter Termination Program. Until March 15th, 2023, people unable to pay their utility bills due to circumstances beyond their control, as well as people receiving certain types of public assistance can receive forbearance by contacting their utility company.

Individuals or families experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness can contact their county social service agency for assistance. After business hours, call 211 or visit NJ211.org.

More than three million residents are eligible for up to $1,500 in property tax relief under the ANCHOR program.

Tenants and renters who were previously ineligible because their unit was covered by a PILOT agreement can now apply for the ANCHOR benefit.

To be eligible for this year's benefit, you must have occupied your primary residence on October 1st, 2019. You must also file (or be exempt from) NJ income taxes. The deadline for filing has been extended to January 31st, 2023.

Eligible New Jersey residents who filed a tax return using an Individual Taxpayer ID Number (ITIN) in 2021, whose household income is less than 200% of the federal poverty guideline, and who were not eligible for federal stimulus payments will receive a one-time $500 payment this month from the New Jersey Department of the Treasury.

If you did not file a New Jersey tax return for 2021 but may still be eligible for the payment based on your 2020 income tax return, you will receive a letter advising you of your status. You must file your 2021 taxes by April 15th, 2023 in order to be eligible for this benefit. No separate application is required.

Small Business Saturday is this Saturday, November 26th, 2022. Help boost your local economy by supporting the diverse range of local businesses that create jobs and enhance neighborhoods around New Jersey.

More options and lower premiums are available for residents seeking health insurance coverage at Get Covered New Jersey, the official health insurance marketplace of New Jersey.

About 9 in 10 residents who enroll through Get Covered New Jersey will qualify for financial assistance with health coverage premiums. No one will pay more than 8.5% of their income for health insurance through Get Covered New Jersey.

The Open Enrollment Period for 2023 coverage at Get Covered New Jersey will run from November 1st, 2022 to January 31st, 2023. Consumers must enroll by December 31st, 2022 for coverage starting January 1st, 2023; if they enroll by January 31st, 2023, coverage will begin February 1st, 2023.

Individuals aged 5 years and older are encouraged to get the updated COVID-19 booster dose, which should be received two months after their most recent booster or primary vaccination series. Those who are at least 6 years old can get either a Pfizer or Moderna booster, regardless of which vaccine they received for their primary series.

These updated COVID-19 boosters offer stronger protections against severe illness and death from Omicron sub-variants. The Pfizer booster is recommended for all individuals aged 5 years and older, while the Moderna booster is recommended for those aged 6 years and older.

Find locations offering the boosters on the COVID-19 Vaccine Finder and Community Calendar at covid19.nj.gov.