Many Camden County residents who receive food assistance through the New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (NJ SNAP) will receive an extra benefit payment on March 29. Benefits awarded in April will also be higher than usual, all in an effort to help address critical food needs related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The supplemental payments were included in the federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act. On March 29, roughly 205,000 New Jersey households will receive supplemental payments totaling $35 million. Another $35 million will be provided in April.

Supplemental benefits will be loaded directly to SNAP recipients’ EBT cards.

“The Camden County Board of Social Services has been working nonstop throughout the coronavirus crisis to ensure that these critical services continue to be delivered to those who need them,” said Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez. “This crisis has been difficult for families across our community, but there is assistance available. We are grateful that our partners at the federal level are doing their part to protect the most vulnerable.”

Families will receive a supplemental benefit equal to the difference between their regular benefit amount and the maximum benefit for their family size. Families already receiving the maximum allowable SNAP benefit are not eligible for supplemental payments.

For more information please visit www.njhelps.org, or call the Camden County Board of Social Services at (856) 225-8800.