One of the ways of sourcing for financial assistance is through applying for state grants. Most state governments set aside funding in the form of state grants to those in need of financial aid.
Unfortunately, due to the low wage during incarceration, ex-offenders in New Jersey usually face financial constraints after release. Therefore, state grants can be of great help. This article unearths 5 New Jersey state grants that ex-offenders can be eligible to apply.
1. Medical State grant -─ Medicaid
Medicaid is a government-funded program that provides health coverage to parents and children, expectant women, and the elderly, blind or disabled. The programs cater for medical services, consultation charges, medications, nursing home care, and other healthcare necessities, depending on what category an applicant qualifies for.
Requirements:
- Applicant must be a U.S national or an eligible alien
- Applicant must reside in New Jersey
- Applicants must either have a family with dependent children, expectant women, old, blind or permanently impaired.
- Must have low income
Application takes between 20 ─ 45 minutes and can be done through NJHelps.org. If you aren’t sure of what you qualify for will need to do some screening.
2. Housing Assistance
This is a government program that aims at preventing homelessness. As a result, the program assists people to advance from temporary and insecure housing to secure and long-lasting housing. Housing assistance includes programs such as:
- Homelessness prevention program
- State rental assistance program
- Emergency housing grant
- Family self-sufficiency
Ex-offenders who meet the grants’ requirements can apply via the Department of Community Affairs by assessing forms and applications.
3. Supportive Assistance to Individuals and Families, SAIF
The cash assistance/ Work first new jersey WFNJ mentioned above has a five-year time limit. If you reach the five-year time limit without attaining self-dependency, you may seek help From Supportive Assistance To Individuals And Families SAIF.
In addition to financial support, SAIF provides substance abuse and mental health treatment. You will have higher chances of winning SAIF funding if you’re:
- Above 60 years old
- Extremely unemployable
- Suffered domestic violence
- Solely care for a disabled person
Applications for SAIF are submitted to the County Board of Social Services, and the applicant must continue working.
4. New Jersey Cash grants
Collectively, the New Jersey cash grants are referred to as Work Fist New Jersey WFNJ. It comprises Temporary Assistance for Needy Families TANF and General Assistance G.A. This program entails providing monthly cash assistance, short-term housing funding, child care, job search, and readiness. The Assistance is to help people secure employment and improve their welfare. Like the Medicaid, you can apply for cash assistance via NJHelps.org. For more information about the program, visit Work First, New Jersey.
5.Transportation assistance
Transportation assistance helps people who have just begun working and have difficulties raising the transportation costs. It is restricted to public transport.
Ex-offenders who secured employment and require transportation help may qualify for transportation assistance through the state. Transportation assistance helps people pay for such costs as bus or train passes. To check your eligibility, visit your County Welfare Agency,
Conclusion
Prisoners earn very low while under imprisonment. This leaves them with no funds to cater for housing, food, transport, and medical costs. Luckily, those who live in New Jersey can qualify for numerous state grants. Most of these government grants are temporary and help you attain self-dependency, job hunt, establish a home or pay for medical services.
