Passaic County Board of Social Services — Public Assistance Programs.
Navigating the public benefits system is confusing even under the best circumstances — and most people looking for help aren't in the best circumstances. This page explains what the Passaic County Board of Social Services actually offers in plain terms, and gives you a clear starting point rather than leaving you to sort through government program lists on your own. Program rules and eligibility requirements change, so always verify details directly before applying.
The Passaic County Board of Social Services (PCBSS) is the main entry point for most county, state, and federal assistance programs in the area. Their office is located at 80 Hamilton Street in Paterson, and can be reached at (973) 881-0100. For most government assistance programs, you can also apply or screen for eligibility online at NJHelps.gov (website: https://www.njhelps.gov/) before ever walking in the door — a five-minute screening can tell you which programs you're likely to qualify for.
One local note worth knowing: Passaic County has one of the highest SNAP participation rates in New Jersey — so high that state data shows more residents enrolled than are technically estimated to be eligible. That means if you think you might qualify for food assistance, the odds are good that your neighbors are already getting it. There's no reason to hesitate.
Food Assistance (NJ SNAP)
NJ SNAP, New Jersey's food assistance program, provides monthly benefits loaded onto a Families First EBT card that works like a debit card at most grocery stores and many farmers markets. Eligibility is based on household income, size, and expenses. The fastest way to apply is online at MyNJHelps.gov, where the application takes roughly 20 to 45 minutes. You can also apply in person at the PCBSS office, or get free help from the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, which offers multilingual SNAP application assistance specifically for Passaic County residents.
New Jersey also guarantees a minimum monthly SNAP benefit. While the funding / amount of the guarantee can change per to year and based on government budgets, it is generally in the $100 range. It is supplementing the federal amount if it falls below that — a state-specific protection worth knowing about. To check your existing benefit balance or confirm deposits, use NJFamiliesFirst.com (website https://www.mynjhelps.gov/home) or call 1-800-997-3333. We also have a list of food pantries in Passaic County that give give out food as well.
Cash Assistance — Work First NJ (TANF and General Assistance)
New Jersey's cash assistance program is called Work First NJ, which operates under two tracks. TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) provides short-term monthly cash to low-income families with children, along with access to child care help, transportation assistance, and job training.
The other benefit, General Assistance (GA), covers adults without dependent children who have a documented barrier to employment, such as a disability or medical condition. Both programs require you to work toward self-sufficiency over time — for TANF recipients, that means participating in employment activities through a social worker who can also help connect you with child care, job readiness services, and transportation support.
Applications for both are handled through the PCBSS office or online at NJHelps.gov.
Health Coverage — NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid
NJ FamilyCare is New Jersey's umbrella Medicaid program, covering low-income adults, families, children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. It pays for doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and more. The PCBSS office is an application site, or you can apply online through NJHelps.gov in the same session as SNAP and cash assistance. Note that federal changes to Medicaid eligibility took effect in 2025 — if you've recently lost coverage or received a notice about renewal requirements, check nj.gov/humanservices or call PCBSS directly.
Children up to age 18 who don't qualify for Medicaid may be covered under NJ FamilyCare for children, which provides comprehensive pediatric coverage including dental and vision. Apply through NJHelps.gov or PCBSS.
Energy and Utility Assistance (USF and LIHEAP)
New Jersey's Universal Service Fund (USF) provides year-round discounts on electric and gas bills for income-eligible households — this is different from most states, which only offer seasonal heating help. The other main option is LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The government program provides additional seasonal assistance with heating costs and can cover emergency situations like a shutoff notice or broken heating equipment. Applications for both open in the fall; income-qualified seniors, people with disabilities, and families with young children are priority applicants. Apply through PCBSS or the NJ Board of Public Utilities.
Disability Benefits
PCBSS serves as a local application point for Social Security Disability programs, including SSDI and SSI (Supplemental Security Income). SSDI is based on your work history; SSI provides a monthly payment to low-income people with qualifying disabilities regardless of work history. Both require documented medical evidence of a condition that prevents employment. A social worker at PCBSS can help you understand which program fits your situation and assist with the referral process.
Emergency Assistance and Case Management
If you're facing a crisis — an eviction notice, a utility shutoff, a sudden loss of income — PCBSS social workers can conduct a needs assessment and connect you with Emergency Assistance (EA) funds or refer you to local nonprofits. EA can cover back rent or mortgage arrears, emergency shelter, relocation costs, and more in qualifying situations. Also look here for other rental assistance programs in Passaic County. This is also how residents get connected to mental health resources, domestic violence services, and transitional housing. Call (973) 881-0100 to begin.
Child Care Assistance
Working parents and those in approved job training or education programs may qualify for subsidized child care through the state's Child Care Assistance Program, administered through Passaic County Board of Social Services. The benefit is a sliding-scale subsidy — not a full payment — but it can significantly reduce what you owe for licensed care. Approved providers include licensed child care centers, registered family child care homes, and in some cases relatives. Ask a PCBSS caseworker about current availability and income thresholds, as funding levels vary.
How to Start
The single best first step for most Passaic County residents is a free five-minute eligibility screening at NJHelps.gov. It covers SNAP, Medicaid, and cash assistance in one place and tells you what you're likely to qualify for before you spend time on a full application.
To apply in person or get help from a caseworker, contact the Passaic County Board of Social Services at 80 Hamilton Street, Paterson, NJ 07505, phone (973) 881-0100. For SNAP application help in Spanish or other languages, the Community FoodBank of NJ's Passaic County navigator program can assist you at no charge.
Related Content From Needhelppayingbills.com
|
Need help navigating programs?