Frequently Asked Questions

You must call 1-800-997-3333 or go to www.NJFamiliesFirst.com to check your EBT balance. Middlesex County Board of Social Service Agents cannot check balances.

You are required to call 1-800-997-3333 to cancel your original card; then contact our Agency. Your replacement card will be mailed to you or we will arrange a time for you to come in for your replacement card.

At the top of this page, click on the type of program for which you are applying: SNAP (Food Stamps); Cash Assistance (TANF or General Assistance); Medical Assistance (Medicaid), or Child Support and Paternity. Then follow the prompts. The quickest way to apply for SNAP, TANF or General Assistance is by completing the online application at MyNJHelps.gov. The quickest way to apply for NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid) is by completing the online application at njfamilycare.org.

For your convenience, all business can be conducted without having to come to the office. In-person visits can be accommodated.

You must provide all verification requested to our Agency. SNAP applications are processed within 30 days of the date of application. If an applicant meets the criteria for expedited benefits, funds can be available within 7 days of the date of application.

Emergency Assistance is only available to clients applying for or receiving TANF, GA or SSI.

Most applications for Medical Assistance are processed within 30 to 90 days of the date of application.

If you are found eligible, you will receive SNAP and/or TANF/GA on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Card, which works like a debit card. Benefits are automatically added onto your card each month for as long as you are eligible.

The Agency’s operating hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., Monday through Friday, except the following holidays:

Only TANF and Medicaid benefits can transfer within the State. You must apply for GA or SNAP when you arrive in the new county because benefits are not transferable. It is your responsibility to report a new residence to your former county and your new county of residence. The county you are leaving will close your SNAP and GA cases and transfer your Medicaid and TANF cases to Middlesex County once you notify them of your new address.

Benefits are not transferable from state to state. If you have moved from another state, you must provide proof that the case in that state is closed.

For TANF, GA, or SNAP benefits, you can view and print your transaction history online at NJFamiliesFirst.com. Otherwise, contact our Call Center at 732-745-3500.

For SNAP, TANF and GA applications go to MyNJHelps.gov

For NJ FamilyCare:

• Email: FCSupport@mid-boss.com
• Fax: (732) 745-6706

For Adult Medicaid/Aged, Blind, Disabled (ABD):

• Email: ABDSupport@mid-boss.com
• Fax: (732) 745-4449

For Emergency Assistance-Housing

• Email: Services@mid-boss.com

For Child Support and Paternity

• Call: New Jersey Family Court at (732) 645-4300 or 1-877-655-4371
• Go to njchildsupport.org

You will receive written notification for every action taken on all applications. Please notify the Agency if your contact information changes.

You have the right to request a Fair Hearing. You will receive a Fair Hearing Request form included with any adverse action notice. Please follow the instructions on the notice.