Friday, July 11, 2025

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TRENTON To help combat food insecurity in New Jersey, Governor Phil Murphy today (Aug. 17) signed a bill (A-1715/S-1713) to ensure every household receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits is able to receive those benefits for the longest allowable period of time before needing to apply for recertification.

New Jersey is already a leader in advancing food security and improving access to NJ SNAP, including allowing the longest recertification periods permitted under federal rules. Under this new law, New Jersey is making these certification periods permanent so that NJ SNAP enrollees are able to maintain their benefits for no less than 12 months or a period of no less than 24 months for households in which every adult is elderly and/or disabled – the maximum amount of time permitted under federal regulations.

“By ensuring every eligible household receives their SNAP benefits for the maximum time allowed before needing to have their benefits recertified, we will make it easier for low-income families to access and retain the food assistance they need,” said Governor Murphy. “Cutting down on the frequency with which households must reapply for their benefits, we will make life easier for many residents already struggling to make ends meet and help them continue to put food on the table for their families.”

“No one should go hungry. But access to affordable and nutritious food continues to be challenging for many. That is why the Governor, Legislature and Human Services continue taking every step to expand the availability of SNAP food assistance benefits so they go farther and reach more people,” said Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman. “With today’s bill signing we are making the process easier so individuals can keep and rely on needed assistance for as long as possible.”