New Jersey Senate Bill S2175

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Revises certain requirements related to cash assistance benefits under Work First New Jersey program.

Impact

The legislation includes provisions for revising sanctions related to non-compliance with program requirements. Instead of an immediate penalty for non-compliance lasting only one month, beneficiaries will now have up to six months to demonstrate good cause for their non-compliance. This change aligns with a broader perspective, allowing for various personal factors to be considered before any penalty applies, which legislators believe might promote better cooperation in returning to acceptable participation levels. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Commissioner of Human Services conducts an annual cost-of-living assessment for beneficiaries, ensuring that cash assistance benefits remain relevant to current economic conditions.

Summary

Senate Bill 2175 aims to revise specific aspects of the Work First New Jersey (WFNJ) program concerning cash assistance benefits. Notably, the bill reduces the work activity requirement for beneficiaries from 40 hours per week to 30 hours, and imposes a stricter maximum of 20 hours for assistance units with children under the age of six. By adjusting these requirements, the bill seeks to better accommodate the varying circumstances of families relying on assistance, particularly those with young children. Additionally, it extends the current deferral from work activity requirements for parents caring for infants, shifting the cut-off age from 12 weeks to one year, which is seen as a supportive measure for families during critical early development stages of a child's life.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding the bill, primarily regarding its impact on existing welfare structures. Some advocates argue that while the reduction in work hours may assist in promoting family stability, it could inadvertently diminish the incentives for beneficiaries to seek full-time employment. Critics, including certain lawmakers, have also raised concerns about the implications of a broader definition of 'good cause' for non-compliance, fearing it may lead to increased instances of non-participation in work activities. The bill's adjustments in language updating terms from 'alien' to 'immigrant' also reflect shifts in perspectives, but have led to discussions about the role of citizenship status in determining eligibility for assistance.