NJ COVID-19 Updates and More

New Jerseyans who want to join the waiting list for Section 8 housing vouchers should submit preliminary applications by 5:00 p.m. on February 3rd, 2023.

Successful pre-applications will be selected through a random lottery process. Applicants who qualify for a preference will receive priority placement on the waiting list. A total of 20,000 households will be selected in the random lottery, enabling those households to be added to the waiting list to be awarded vouchers as they become available. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older (or an emancipated minor) to apply. An email address is required to apply. Applicants can create an email address during the pre-application process, if desired.

Applicants who are disabled and need assistance submitting their pre-application can call 609-292-4080 and select Option 9 from the menu. Assistance is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., seven days a week or by emailing [email protected].

Applicants selected in the random lottery to be placed on the Section 8 HCV waiting list will be notified via email, which may take several weeks. Applicants can check their status after February 24th, 2023.

February 2023 is the last month households enrolled in the NJ Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will receive emergency SNAP benefits. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government provided additional financial support to SNAP recipients. That support is expiring after February 2023.

That means that starting in March 2023, you will only receive your regular monthly benefit amount. If your approved monthly SNAP benefit is less than $50, you will receive a supplemental payment from NJ SNAP to bring your total benefit to $50.

SNAP households are encouraged to check their benefits before the next trip to the grocery store. SNAP recipients can check their benefit details at any time by logging into the online portal, with the Connect EBT mobile app, or by calling 800-997-3333.

As of January 1st, 2023, those under 19 may now apply for NJ FamilyCare regardless of their immigration status. All other requirements for NJ FamilyCare still apply.

NJ FamilyCare is the state's publicly funded health insurance program that includes Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) recipients.

More options and record savings are available for residents seeking health insurance coverage at Get Covered New Jersey, the state's official health insurance marketplace.

Nine in 10 people who enroll through Get Covered New Jersey will qualify for financial assistance with health insurance premiums. Many will pay $10 a month or less in 2023, and 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 through this coming Tuesday night, January 31st, 2023. If you enroll, your coverage will begin February 1st, 2023.

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 2-1-1 or visit NJ211.org.

New Jersey homeowners and renters can get vital information to help them apply for the new Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters (ANCHOR) Property Tax Relief Benefit. The New Jersey Department of the Treasury will host a Facebook Live Q&A event on February 8th, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. Questions for the February 8th session can also be sent in advance to [email protected].

New Jerseyans are encouraged to take the necessary precautions to keep themselves and their loved ones healthy throughout the winter. Respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, influenza, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) are currently circulating throughout the state.

Residents are particularly encouraged to stay up-to-date on COVID-19 and flu vaccinations, including receiving the updated bivalent COVID-19 booster when eligible.

Everyone six months of age and older is now eligible for the bivalent COVID-19 vaccinations that target recently circulating Omicron subvariants. COVID-19 vaccines are free to everyone. Find locations offering COVID-19 vaccines and boosters on the COVID-19 Vaccine Finder and Community Calendar.

Flu vaccines, which are often covered by insurers at little to no cost to individuals, can be found at pharmacies, health care provider offices, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), and local health departments. FQHCs and health departments may also offer the flu vaccine at little to no cost for eligible uninsured or underinsured individuals.

Everyone is encouraged to take common sense measures to protect themselves and the people around them. This includes coughing or sneezing into your sleeve, washing your hands, staying home when you're sick, and wearing a mask if you or someone you're spending time with is at high risk of severe illness.

If symptoms appear, get tested for COVID-19. Free at-home test kits are available from the federal government and testing is offered for free at certain sites around New Jersey.

Keep children home from school and child care centers if they are feeling unwell. Flu and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (usually called RSV) are impacting schools and child care settings in New Jersey right now.