SENATE HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND SENIOR CITIZENS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 490

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MARCH 12, 2018

      The Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 490.

      This bill repeals the section 7 of the “Work First New Jersey Act,” which prohibits a household from gaining additional cash assistance benefits as a result of the birth of a child.  Such policies that prevent an increase in welfare benefits as a result of the birth of a child are commonly known as “family caps.”

      The Work First New Jersey – Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program provides cash and other assistance to low income families with dependent children.  The amount of monthly cash assistance provided to a household by the program is based on the household’s size.  However, current law prevents the amount of the grant from increasing as the result of the birth of a child, unless the child is born fewer than 10 months after applying for benefits or the birth of the child is a result of rape or incest.  Certain limited exceptions to the family cap are provided pursuant to N.J.A.C.10:90-2.18 for families with a working parent and for children born to minors.

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2018-2019 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.