The Department of Human Services says the minimum benefit supported more than 125,700 households from March 2023 through May 2025.
MORRISTOWN, NJ – A New Jersey Department of Human Services report released June 9, 2026, says the state’s $95 minimum monthly SNAP benefit supported more than 125,700 households and generated an estimated $93 million in economic activity from March 2023 through May 2025.
The report was commissioned from the Center for Research and Evaluation on Education and Human Services at Montclair State University to evaluate the impact of New Jersey’s minimum benefit under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as SNAP.
“SNAP helps people in need by improving access to nutritious food and easing financial strain. It also supports local economies by driving broader economic activity in communities,” said Commissioner Stephen Cha.
New Jersey established the minimum monthly SNAP benefit in 2023. For households approved for a federal SNAP benefit below $95, the state supplements the payment so the total monthly benefit reaches $95. Human Services says New Jersey remains the only state with a minimum benefit at that level.
According to the department, New Jersey invested more than $60 million during the study period to fill the gap between the federal SNAP benefit and the state minimum. The report estimated that spending generated an average of $3.4 million per month in economic activity and a $33 million overall return on investment.
The report found that recipients of the state-supplemented minimum benefit are more likely than SNAP households overall to be seniors, single-person households, English-speaking and working. It also found the minimum benefit is more common in less densely populated parts of the state, with the highest shares in Sussex, Warren, Gloucester, Cape May and Monmouth counties.
Residents can apply for SNAP online, in person, by calling their county social service agency or through a SNAP Navigator. Human Services said its proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget includes $30.2 million to maintain the $95 minimum monthly benefit for 40,000 households.
